Jack Daniel McKnight, 82, of Luray, Kansas, died on Thursday, January 10, 2013, with the support of Hospice and with his wife by his side.

Jack was born on April 16, 1930, on the family farm in Osborne County, Kansas, the son of Claude Ernest and Lottie Berta (Lewis) McKnight.  He grew up in the Luray area, attended Prairiedale Country School and graduated Valedictorian from Luray High School.  He worked as a farmer and stockman for most of his life until he retired at age 72, after suffering from a stroke in 2002.  In 1995 he met, Tess Dunkel, later they fell in love and were united in marriage on November 21, 2002, in Geneseo, Kansas.  It was then he decided to dedicate his life fulltime to being a loving and caring husband to his new wife.  He enjoyed experimenting with new and innovative farm technologies and enjoyed working with his hands as a mechanic and working with electronics.  He was a longtime member of the Luray United Methodist Church.  Jack loved God and country and he treasured his 2nd amendment right and his freedoms as an American.  He was a benefactor life member of the National Rifle Association, a member of the Osborne Gun Club and an avid motorcycle enthusiast who loved to ride.  He loved being a daredevil and fascinated people who loved watching him hand glide.  He was a good friend to all who knew him and never met a stranger.  He valued his relationship with his neighbors and they valued his friendship.

Surviving family include his wife Tess of the home; brother in-laws Jeff Dunkel & wife Joelan of Brentwood, California and Tommy Dunkel of Nuevo, California; sister in-law Vicki Sue Shelton of Apple Valley, California;  step sisters and brothers are Ruth Jennings, Jerome Hake, Alan Hake, Leon Hake, Marilyn Balaun, Elaine Parrack, Karen Walters and Meldon Hake.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step sister Charlene Marek and sister in-law Rhonda Kim Dunkel.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at 11 A.M. on Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at the Luray United Methodist Church in Luray, Kansas with Pastor Gene Langhofer and Pastor Les Rye officiating.  Viewing will take place from 9:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. on Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at the church prior to the service.  Immediately following the service the family will have a private graveside service at Luray City Cemetery.  Services will conclude at the church with family and friends invited to stay for food and fellowship.  Memorials may be given to the Luray United Methodist Church, Hospice Inc., Osborne Gun Club or Luray Fire Department and may be sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.