Elwood Harry Knight

Elwood “Woody” Knight, 94, of Nixa, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on March 9, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.

Born on February 7, 1932, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to E.H. (Harry) and Hazel Knight, Woody grew up with a strong work ethic and a deep faith that guided him throughout his life. He proudly served four years in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in June of 1956 after contracting polio. On November 5, 1955, he married the love of his life, Marcia. Together they raised four children and built a life centered on family.

Woody worked diligently to provide for those he loved, contributing to the NASA Apollo program and negotiating contracts around the world. In retirement, he devoted more than 35 years to volunteering as a mentor with SCORE, offering guidance to small business clients across the globe. He found joy in fishing on the lake, playing softball, working in his woodshop, and competing in the Senior Olympics well into his 80s. Above all, he was a man of deep faith who remained actively involved in his church, always ready to serve and support others. His greatest happiness came from time spent with family.

Woody is survived by his children, Brent (Sue) Knight, Brad (Goy) Knight, Brenda (Joe) Will, and Beth (Eric) Melgren; grandchildren, Matt (Maygen) Knight, Tim Knight, Kellie (Matt) Williams, Jewel (Ted) Towle, Lindsey Will, Carter Will, Emily Melgren, Adam Melgren, and Ben Melgren; great-grandchildren, Devyn Knight, Beckett Knight, Watson Williams, Hudson Williams, Jacob Towle, Mason Towle, and Victoria Towle; and sister-in-law, Jan Reister. He was preceded in death by his wife Marcia Knight, both parents, brother Al and wife Barb Knight, sister Barb and husband Larry Lane, sister-in-law Bonnie and husband Bob Duchow, sister-in-law Genese and husband Buz Snyder, and brother-in-law Carl Reister.