Wallace “Wayne” Knight went home to the Lord at home on August 28, 2018. Wayne was born in Evansville, Indiana on February 1, 1946 to Wallace Reid Knight and Hazel Rae Watson. Shortly thereafter his sister Shirley Rae was born on December 25, 1946.
In 1957 the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona where Wallace Sr. could obtain work as a carpenter. Wayne completed his education in Phoenix including a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Arizona State University. With the draft looming Wayne joined the Navy and served as a radio mechanic at Great Lakes Naval Base in Chicago. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal. While in Chicago Wayne met Linda Victoria Harvey and they were married on April 15, 1972. To this union were born James Roland and Steven Wallace. Wayne worked for various companies as computer programmer/systems engineer and retired from International Truck and Engine Corporation in 2011. Wayne and Linda divorced after 35 years of marriage and then Wayne married Tara Lee DeYoung on May 21, 2009. Wayne and Tara made their home in Helena, Montana until his death.
Wayne always had an interest in astronomy starting with Astronomy Club in high school. He corresponded with physics Nobel Laureate Dr. Kip Thorne and had many friendly visits with Dr. Kelly Kline at Carroll College in Helena. Wayne loved books of all kinds with a particular interest in science fiction, investment strategies and mysteries. To keep his mind sharp he worked Sudoku puzzles every day and always balanced his checkbook in his head without a calculator.
Wayne has been greeted in Heaven by his parents and is survived by his wife, Tara, of Helena, his sister, Shirley Edwards in Datil, New Mexico, his sons Steven (Emily) in Aurora, Colorado, James (Kathleen) in Columbus, Ohio and grandsons Samuel and Miles. He will also be missed by his stepdaughters Sarah Olsen (Leonard Tate), Kathleen Olsen and granddaughter Luna Tate.
The family will receive friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Thursday, September 6, 2018 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave. A viewing will be held from 10:00am to 10:45am Friday, September 7, 2018 at Covenant United Methodist Church, 2330 E Broadway, followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00am at Covenant United Methodist Church. Lunch will be served after the service at the church. Burial with Military Honors will be held at Forestvale Cemetery, 690 Forestvale Rd., following the reception.
Wayne was a generous giver and would be pleased that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the charity of your choice.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Weiner and the Cancer Center nurses for the loving care they gave Wayne during his illness.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Wayne.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday September 6, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Friday September 7, 2018
Covenant United Methodist Church
2330 E Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 7, 2018
Covenant United Methodist Church
2330 E Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Funeral
Friday September 7, 2018
Covenenat United Methodist Church
2330 E Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the reception
Friday September 7, 2018
Forestvale Cemetery
690 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday September 6, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Viewing
10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Friday September 7, 2018
Covenant United Methodist Church
2330 E Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 7, 2018
Covenant United Methodist Church
2330 E Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the Funeral
Friday September 7, 2018
Covenenat United Methodist Church
2330 E Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Following the reception
Friday September 7, 2018
Forestvale Cemetery
690 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
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JW says
My condolences to the family, no one can prepare us for the grief we experience when we lose a loved one, at 1 Peter 5:7 we are encouraged to “throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” Even though missed your loved one is not forgotten and God who is the life giver is eager to restore life to those who have fallen asleep in death and promises to do so by means of a ressurection. ( John 5:28,29)
Valerie and Bob says
Tara,
We send loving condolences and my prayers at this sad and difficult time.?
I only met Wayne once when visiting in Helena, but liked him very much.
i’m so happy that you had almost 10 yrs. of marriage together, but wish
like you do that it could have been more. Treasure all your good
memories and may they being a smile to your face …remember
God’s promise of eternal life and know death is not the end.
Eternal life has been granted to your sweet husband, his suffering
is over, and you will meet again.. ?. Hold strong to God’s promises! ?
We care, Tara, and send our deepest sympathy to you and yours,
Val and Bob
Mark & Mary Grant says
We are so sorry to hear about Wayne’s passing. We remember many pleasant evenings at the home in Dimmick, IL, and we were always pleased to visit with your folks at school and church events, James and Steven. Sending prayers for comfort to all who knew and loved Wayne.
Joanie Mathis says
Dear Tara, we are so sad that you have lost your dear Wayne. He put up such a good fight to stay here on this earth with you. I know how hard it is to be a widow. It was nice to see you two at St Peter’s oncology and at our dances at the Community center.
I would love to visit with you when things slow down. I am sorry that we can not come to the viewing but will try to come before the service tomorrow. But please call me or send me your number. Joanie and Wayne Mathis 439-3415
Mary says
I’m so sorry that we were not able to come to the funeral. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. God gives strength when we need and not a minute before. I can see He has done that for you. Love you bunches.