Richard Ernest Knight

Richard Ernest Knight, 84 of Afton, went home to be with his lord and savior Jesus Christ on April 2, 2025 at his home. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  

Richard was born on October 13, 1940 in Koehler Twp, MI, the son of the late Ernest and Mary (Patton) Knight and was raised in Koehler Twp, graduating from Inland Lakes Public Schools with the class of 1959.  

On November 5, 1960, Richard married the love of his life, the former Jacqueline Goral.   Immediately following high school, Richard went to work for Tap and Tool in Cheboygan, where he worked for 36 years.  He then went to work for Moeller Aerospace in Harbor Springs, Michigan, retiring from there in 2003.   In addition to his normal 9-5 job, Richard ran the family farm where he raised cattle, grew hay, and had a short season of winemaking at the “Call it Quits Winery”.   

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, loved gardening and loved playing Euchre.   He also enjoyed NASCAR, traveling and camping.   He was a founding member of the Afton Deer Management, served as President of the Afton Community Club and served as Trustee for Koehler Township. 

Richard is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jacqueline; 3 children, Bradley (Katrina) Knight of Watertown, WI, Greg (Kim) Knight of Afton and Vicki Knight of Afton; 5 grandchildren, Jacilyn, Deanna (Axel), Christina, Kyle & Brandon; and by a great grandson, Grayson.  

The family will receive friends on April 11, from 11am-1pm at the Stone Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Indian River.  Services celebrating Richard’s life will immediately follow the visitation at the funeral home at 1pm.  Luncheon to follow at the Tower Community Hall.

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