William "Butch" Oliver Knight, Jr.

William “Butch” Oliver Knight Jr., 75, of Herington, Kansas, passed away on November 12, 2024 at his home. Butch was diagnosed with Epilepsy at the age of 16 after a sporting injury and for most of his adult life he managed his Epilepsy condition. An Epileptic Seizure ultimately took his life. 

Butch is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Evelyn Curl, Peggy White and Connie Gibson, and his Grandson Colgin.

Butch is survived by his wife Debe Knight (Herington), his children Chadwick and Veronica Knight (Garden City), Aaron Knight (Kinsley), Chris and Chad Lohman (Manhattan), Kelly and Pat Baalmann (LaCrosse), his 12 grandchildren Addison, Aspen, Aleigh, LeNae, Ashlyn, Lundyn, Caleigh, Camden, Cooper, Campbell, Bailey, and Ryland. His brother Joe and Cindy Knight (California), and 3 sisters Betty Teague (Oklahoma), Sue Knight (Garden City) and Doylene Barnes (Garden City).

Butch was born on September 6, 1949 to William and Pauline Knight in Garden City, Kansas. After Butch graduated from Garden City High School in 1967 he started his first job at StaCrisp, as a route salesman, and later went on to work at Frito Lay also as a route salesman which is where he met his wife Debe. The two were married on April 7, 1989 surrounded by family at their home in Garden City, Kansas.

Throughout the years Butch was known as a “Legend”. He loved sports including biking, swimming, racquetball, baseball and softball. In 1966 he was honored to be selected by the professional baseball team the Philadelphia Phillies. He never pursued his dream of playing baseball, as he was devoted to his family. In 2005 he was inducted into the “40 most influential baseball/softball players in Garden City, Kansas”. Butch and Debe remained in Garden City and opened Time Out Sports Lounge in 1991 making many memories until they sold it in 2001. They then moved to Herington, Kansas in 2001 where they purchased their dream Lakehouse. In 2005, Butch and Debe purchased The Spot in Herington, KS, creating many more memories and making lifelong friends. Butch and Debe finally attempted to retire in 2020, but we all know how that went. The love that Butch had for the customers and friendships was unmatched. He just couldn't stay away, working part time at The Spot, up until his death. Throughout the years, Butch always supported Debe and her love for dogs. He was the love of her life, supporting her until the end. Butch never met a stranger. He was the life of the party. Whether it was jokes, pranks or banter; wherever he went people knew him and loved him. 

In lieu of flowers, Butch would appreciate an in-kind donation to one of these causes. REACT - An organization dedicated to helping and supporting pediatric Epilepsy patients in rural Kansas with medical teams to assist with appointments and treatment via telemedicine. “The Butch Knight Memorial Baseball Scholarship” available to any Kansas High School Graduate (preference given to a graduate within Garden City or Herington, Kansas) that will go on to play baseball at the college level.