Jerry Elson Knight

Jerry Elson Knight, 83 of Powhatan Point, Ohio, died Wednesday November 16, 2016 at The Life Care Center of Casper, Casper, Wyoming.

He was born July 11, 1933 to John Knight and Theora Carsey Knight of Shadyside, Ohio.

Jerry was known as Fish to his childhood friends because of his swimming ability.  He had dreamed of one day competing in the Olympics.  This dream ended when he was involved in a roof fall in 1953 at Powhatan Mine #1 where he was employed as a roof bolter.  Jerry was recovered from the mine after being buried for a short time.  He sustained injuries that left him hospitalized for nearly two years.  He was told he would not walk again.  After his release from the hospital, Jerry spent another year and a half in a cast.  Not only did he walk, he was drafted by the U.S. Army.  Because of his injuries, Jerry had a leg that was 2” shorter than the other and in a partial cast.  Jerry turned down the opportunity to attend West Point Military Academy and was assigned to the Nike Missile Base in Ft. Bliss Texas.  After completing his military service, Jerry went to work for The Caterpillar Tractor Company in Chicago, Illinois.  This is where he met his wife Helen Lois Crater in 1960.  A few years later he returned to Powhatan to work at Powhatan Mine #1 as an electrician until he retired.

Jerry graduated from Powhatan High School in 1951 where he played football and saxophone in the marching band.  He was involved in the community by serving on the Powhatan Point City Council.  He was a Freemason obtaining the level 33rd Scottish Rite and a member of Moriah Lodge No. 105 in Powhatan Point.  Jerry was an avid amateur ham radio operator and would communicate with people either in voice or Morse code from all over the world, including Russia.

Jerry loved the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers.  There had to be a good reason if he missed watching a game.  On occasion, he would watch the Browns or the Bengals if the Steelers weren’t playing, but not with the same enthusiasm.  Jerry was loved by everyone that knew him and liked by people he had met.  He had a gentle and modest nature.  He never liked to be the center of attention and always considered others first.  He loved his family very much and not only his children, but all children.  He was the happiest when he would have the opportunity to sit and talk to them.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents John and Theora, wife Helen, son Lyndon, stepson Mike McHugh, sister Romana, brothers Jackie, Jaron, and Randall.  He is survived by his daughter Sonya (Jim) Kohlhause of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, Jerry Robin Knight of Casper, Wyoming, stepsons Dan (Pat) McHugh of Simpson, Illinois and Pat (Janette) of Palm Coat, Florida,  grandchildren Joseph (Jennifer) Baumberger of Bicknell, Indiana, Julie (Terry) Nonte of Newburgh, Indiana, Zachary Knight of Orlando, Florida, Zane Knight of Casper, Wyoming, Kaitlyn Knight of Denver, Colorado, Nobel, Mariah and Xen Knight of Powhatan Point, Ohio.  Also, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  Brothers John Henry Knight of Dayton, Ohio, Jay Knight of Holt, Missouri, Jan Knight of Powhatan Point, Justin Knight of Glendale, West Virginia and Jason Knight of Terra Haute, Indiana.

Viewing will be conducted at Bauknecht-Altmeyer funeral Home, Powhatan Point, Ohio Monday November 28, 2016 between 11 am and 1 pm with funeral service following.  Burial will follow at Belmont County Memorial park cemetery, St. Clairsville, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Powhatan American Legion Post #228