After a long and full life David L. Knight has permanently experienced a major change of venue on Friday, January 24, 2025. Exactly where is undetermined but he was optimistic that he might reconnect with friends and family who preceded him and, at some point, perhaps welcome those who survive him (hopefully long into the future).
David is survived by his daughter, Debby Knight-Clausen and son-in-law, Ed Clausen, grandchildren, Matthew (Laura), Brooke Gibbs, David, great-grandson Hudson Gibbs; nephews, Reid and Clayton Marsh, sister, Joan Marsh and brother Jim, nephews William and Stephen as well as many friends (this includes almost all of his law clients who were always considered by him to be friends as well as clients) and Sandra Knight.
His son, Dan Knight, passed from this life on June 4, 2022. His wife, Yuening (Lily) Knight died on June 18, 2024. Dave missed them very much.
In no particular order of importance here are some quick facts:
1. Born in Butler, Missouri on January 22, 1937, the son of Edwin Lyle Knight and Ruth Hopkins Knight. Graduated from Garden City, Missouri High School in 1955 in a class of fourteen students.
2. Played every sport available for as long as possible and had some success but, to his great disappointment, in 1956, the then MU Basketball Coach, Sparky Stalcup, decided to not risk his coaching career on a player who was under 6’0”! Likely a wise decision on Sparky’s part.
3. Participated in every available speech contest and play, as well as Boys State and Boys Nation (1954) while in High School. In Columbia he loved performing in the Music Man with Columbia Entertainment Company as “Charlie the Anvil Salesman”.
4. Was the first graduate of Garden City High School to attend the University of Missouri (so reported) and definitely the first to obtain a law degree.
5. Was a loyal member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and an avid intramural participant in multiple sports and later a dedicated supporter of MU athletics, including providing legal services to many coaches and players (always without charge).
6. Graduated from MU School of Law with high honors (Order of the Coif) in 1962.
7. Served three years in the United States Army JAGC; attained the rank of Captain and tried several high publicity capital cases. Participated in the Honor Flight in 2022.
8. First associated as an attorney with the law firm of Smith & Lewis in Columbia, and then partnered with Hamp Ford for many years. Thinking it unprofessional, he eschewed any form of legal advertising.
9. Represented clients from all walks of life, including several judges and other lawyers. However, due to Dan’s position as Boone County Prosecutor did not handle criminal law matters.
10. Participated in many practical jokes and loved to laugh (at himself) or with others.
11. Apparently was a licensed pilot, although precise details in that regard are scarce.
12. Tirelessly advocated and promoted the reading of quality books and made presentations in the Columbia Public Schools to encourage student readers.
13. Took great enjoyment in “placing” books with friends when he calculated a particular read might resonate.
14. Loved the practice of law and relished the opportunity to be able to provide some meaningful assistance for a client.
15. Was proud of, and relished, the many successes and accomplishments of his family, friends and clients.
16. Enjoyed relatively good health throughout his life including hunting, fishing, working on the farm, and interacting with friends.
17. Is leaving with appreciation for having lived in such a great community during interesting times and leaves with a true hope of meeting again “on the other side”.
Private services were conducted by the family and a Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, April 5, 2025, 4-6 PM at the Columbia Country Club, 2210 Country Club Dr, Columbia, MO 65201.
Condolences c/o Memorial Funeral Home at 1217 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia, Missouri 65202.
Memorial donations in Dave’s honor are suggested to: Columbia Public Library at https://dbrl.org/giving/ways-to-give , Daniel Boone Regional Library Foundation, P.O. Box 7113, Columbia, MO 65205, or the David Knight Beta Theta Pi Scholarship Fund in the following ways: Send a check made payable to the Zeta Phi Society Foundation (with David Knight in the memo line) to: 1400 Forum Blvd, Ste 7A, PMB #501, Columbia, MO 65203 Or, make an online credit card donation, by visiting the Zeta Phi Square Site at: zeta-phi-society-foundation-inc-101355.square.site
Dave was an organ donor and will live on in the recipients. His family encourages everyone to do the same. This obituary was written by Dave Knight and edited by his family.
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