Kenneth McKnight

Ken McKnight passed away peacefully in Cedar City, Utah on February 15, 2023. He was born in Cedar on November 9, 1939 to Elizabeth (Betty) and John McKnight. He was the first of four boys.
Ken married Barbara Ann Murie on May 10, 1963 and then later were sealed in the St George Temple. They were married nearly 60 years and had a happy life together.
Kenny grew up in Cedar City, terrorizing the town with his brothers and many friends. During this time Kenny also developed his love for the outdoors where he became an avid hunter and fisherman. He excelled in many sports in his youth. After graduating from Cedar High, Kenny continued his education at CSU (SUU) where he also was a three-sport collegiate athlete in football, wrestling, and track. He was hard-working, a dedicated student, and athlete. Always humble, yet passionate. His attitude, focus, determination, and drive were traits that he passed on to his kids, grandkids, and those around him. Kenny was later inducted into the SUU athletics hall of fame.
After graduating from College, Kenny had several jobs throughout his life including the Iron Mine, Las Vegas Paving, Carter Brothers Construction, and eventually retired from Cedar City Corporation.
Family was the most important thing in life to Kenny. If there was anything his kids or grandkids were involved in he was there to support whether it be drill team, wrestling, rodeo, golfing, or ball games. Kenny was proud of his family and was their #1 fan. He insisted they were the best. Kenny was always behind the scenes and supporting his family and boosting their spirits, while never taking any credit.
Kenny loved being a rancher. In 1976 the three children of Mel and Ila Murie (and their spouses) purchased the Stucki Ranch and started running their own cattle and operating under “MBM Livestock”. Kenny’s heart was always with the ranch and his animals. He loved his time on the desert and he lived for calving season. He always kept track of every cow and calf in his “cowbook”, with the dents and damage to his trucks to show he found them all. He enjoyed October for fall gathers, but most importantly his world stopped for the Deer Hunt. Kenny killed a deer on his last hunt just a few months ago, at the Lower Herd.
Through dedication, hard work, selflessness, and sacrifices the ranch has grown larger in size, but more importantly has grown strength within the family. Their efforts were recognized with the 2018 Iron County Cattlemen of the Year award, and Grand Marshals of the 2020 Cedar Livestock and Heritage Festival. Kenny poured his heart and soul into everything he did. He did whatever it took to get the job done, knew how to adapt, and to never give up. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife Barbara McKnight, along with his children JoNell (Chris) Hone, Scott (Kari) McKnight, and Lee (Austin) Bingham, nine grandsons: Zach Hone, Cody Hone, Dusty Hone, McKardee McKnight, Taggart McKnight, Waddie McKnight, Braylon Bingham, Trey Bingham, Ky Bingham, and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Doug (Carol) McKnight, and Bob (Louise) McKnight.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elizabeth McKnight, brother John McKnight and daughter Neisha McKnight.
Funeral services will be held Saturday February 18, 2023, at 11:00am at The Rock Church (75 E Center St.) Friends may call on Friday February 17. 2023 from 5-7pm and on Saturday February 18, at 9:30-10:30am at Southern Utah Mortuary (190 N 300 W). Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery, under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary.