Obituary: Knight, Pastor David Edward
Age 85
He was surrounded by his wife, Betty and all of their children as well as some of his grandchildren.
He will be missed by his family and all those who he ministered to over the last 57 years.
His love for Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit was something he walked in throughout his life.
He is now in “pleasant places.”
David Knight enjoyed annual family reunions at many places throughout Washington and Idaho.
In recent years he loved the Friday Night tradition of Hors d’Oeuvres Night when his children came and had a light dinner and an evening of conversation, laughter, and of course good food.
David was very creative in bringing his family together.
David E. Knight was born in Compton, California on April 5, 1930.
He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1948.
In 1951, David married his beloved wife of 63 years, Betty Ellen Martinson.
He attended Gonzaga University where he graduated in 1953.
David entered the U. S. Army during the Korean War and served as an Infantry Officer.
Following his military service he attended the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkley, California where he received a Master Degree of Divinity in 1958 and became an Episcopal priest.
After graduation he served as Vicar of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Wallace, Idaho from 1958 to 1961; Rector of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Spokane from 1961 to 1966.
In 1966 he entered the U. S. Army as a Chaplain and served in Vietnam ministering to the troops of the 9th Infantry Division and was decorated with the Silver Star for gallantry.
He also was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal and the ARCOM medal.
He returned home to his family and served as Associate Rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Spokane Valley from 1969 to 1978.
In 1978 David pioneered The King’s Community Church where he served as Senior Pastor until his retirement in 1998.
He was active in the Charismatic Renewal, the Prayer Movement, and promoted church unity in Spokane.
He also had a passion for inner city ministry in downtown Spokane and served on the board for City Gate.
David was proud of his God, His country and his uniform.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Jack and Elvis Knight, his brother Denman Knight of Bainbridge Island, Washington and his sister Juanamae Ganger of Scottsdale, Arizona.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty Ellen and their five children, John Knight, Rebecca Duta, David T. Knight, Martha Aguinchona, and Sarah Mortensen and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held in David’s honor on Saturday, June 27th at 3:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home.
The family would ask that memorial contributions be made to City Gate Fellowship in c/o The King’s Community Church; PO Box 9506, Spokane, WA 99209.