Dennis Knight was born in Hayes Kansas November 27, 1935, to James Louis Knight and Alice Bernice Kirkham- Knight. Dennis has two siblings, Judith Knight Purnell (m. Bob Purnell) and David Knight ( m. Nancy Knight). On October 8, 2023, Dennis was called home to be with Jesus in Heaven. He was just shy of his 88th birthday. He went peacefully with his family at his side in San Diego California. He battled Parkinsons for many years and the doctors said it was remarkable that someone with his condition made it as long as he did. Dennis was married to Claire Louise Billman-Knight for 51 years before she passed in 2013. Together Dennis and Claire raised two loving children, James Louis Knight and Jennifer Louise Knight – Banks (m. David Banks) and three loving grandchildren, Heather Ashley Banks (m. Jake Wagner), Rachel Louise Banks and Garrett Louis Knight, all blessed with an abundance of love and joy.
In high school Dennis was a member of the debate club and played the trombone in the high school dance band. After attending 1 year of college at Kansas University, Dennis decided to enlist in the military where he became our very own Top Gun pilot landing on aircraft carriers over 350 times and eventually ascended to the ranks of Lieutenant Commander. The Navy took Dennis to San Diego California where he met our mother Claire Billman and after a nine-month courtship, they married on July 7, 1962, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic church in El Cajon California. During the early start to their marriage, Dennis and Claire were active members of Our Lady of Grace where they would spend countless hours volunteering their time in Mexico to help build houses or bring essential items to those in need. Dennis ran the church choir for many years as well. After 20 years in the Navy, Dennis decided to retire and attend Law School at the University of San Diego. After passing the bar on the first try, he proceeded to be an Attorney with the highest ethical standards and moral compass for the next 33 years where his focus was on computer law and Estate planning. As if practicing law was not enough, Dennis was an active member of the Rotary Club where he was successful at leading many projects to benefit his community. In addition, he spent many years leading a program to bring clean water to Uganda. He was on the board of Aseltine School, a school for K-12 students with special needs. Dennis was an avid runner, successfully completing multiple marathons throughout San Diego. He loved horseback riding, fishing, golfing, skiing, flying, gardening, and playing the guitar, something he passed on to his son. He was a remarkable man. Extraordinary in his optimism, dedication to his family, kind heart and willingness to give everything he had to help others and a thousand other things. He was an amazing father, son, sibling, and grandfather. Dennis and Claire are now reunited. Dad, your children, grandchildren, siblings, family, and friends will miss you and remember you and honor you. So many things to say…
You are a hero to all and we will celebrate you and the warrior you are. May you soar through the clouds once more in your F4 Phantom. We love you always.
Lieutenant Commander Dennis K Knight United States Navy, Retired. Nov 27, 1935- Oct 8, 2023.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday February 1st at 10:00am. Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church 2766 Navajo Rd., El Cajon, Ca 92020
A Burial with Honors will take place on Friday February 2nd at 11:30am. Fort Rosecrans national Cemetery 1700 Cabrillo Memorial Dr., San Diego, Ca 92106
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