Wayne Kenneth Knott, age 90, passed away Thursday, February 21st, 2019, at Scripps Memorial in Encinitas after a brief illness. Wayne was born on May 3rd, 1928, in Aurora, Missouri, to Robert and Myrtle Knott. He had seven brothers and sisters: Esther, Mabel, Roberta, Lena, Grayce, Gerald, and Robert. He married his wife Barbara Lake on May 6th, 1948. Their 71 year long marriage was blessed with four children: Connie, Teresa, David, and Steve. He is survived by his wife, his children and their spouses, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Wayne served in the Marine Corps for 22 years, from October 2nd, 1946 to February 8, 1969, and retired as a Sergeant Major. He served in the Korean War as part of the Chosen Few, and in the Vietnam War as part of Operation Mead River. He was decorated with the Purple Heart in Korea and the Bronze Star with valor in Vietnam, and received the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with six stars.
After his retirement from service, Wayne graduated from San Diego State in 1972 and began teaching the same year. He taught for eighteen years, both in grade and middle school, and retired in 1990. He and his wife Barbara have been members of the former Buena Vista Baptist Church, now Stonebrook, since 1960. He served there as Deacon Emeritus for nearly thirty years. Wayne Knott was beloved by his family and his community, and he will be greatly missed.
