Col. (ret.) Walter L. McKnight of Brandon Florida lost his battle with cancer on Friday, May 19, 2023 at the age of 75. Walt was born in Montana to Robert and Karel McKnight but he spent most of his young life in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was in SLC that he graduated from the University of Utah with degrees in both Mathematics and Computer Sciences and where met his beautiful bride, Carol. They were married and sealed for Time and for All Eternity in the Salt Lake Temple, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in 1973. Walt and Carol just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in January. The couple moved around for a while and Walt finished his education at Ohio State University achieving his Doctorate Degree in Computer Science.

Walt retired from the United States Air Force in 1999 after 28 1/2 years of service. His military service moved him around the world including Colorado, Belgium, Ohio, Virginia, Hawaii and finally Florida. He then went on to work for Shim Enterprises, eventually purchasing it and running it on his own until he fully retired. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served many callings in the church over the years, touching the lives of everyone around him. Walt was active in Scouting for most of his life. He served on the Scout Council and helped many young men achieve their Eagle Scout award. Walt also loved Genealogy like his mother did. He would spend hours each week working on Family History. Walt was also elected to the board of his Home Owners Association and served his local community for several years.

Walt was an amazing man, father, grandfather, leader and friend. He will be missed by so many. His multiple nicknames included, Brother McKnight, Papa Bear and Grandpa. He is survived by his wife, Carol, his 3 children, Samuel (Katrina), Heidi and Mary (Ruby), 6 grandchildren, and 6 brothers and sisters (Bob, Wes, Margie, Dennis, Gary and Keith). He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Karel, and two sisters, Sharon and Elaine.

The family would like to thank everyone that helped them on this long, arduous journey. His viewing will be held Thursday, June 1st , at the LDS Chapel at 1412 John Moore Rd in Brandon from 9:30 am to 10:30 am followed by the funeral at 11am. He will be put to rest with full military honors at the Serenity Meadows Cemetery at 6919 Providence Rd, Riverview, Fl.

Family Note: Walt loved strawberry ice-cream. In his final months when nothing tasted good, he would still say yes to strawberry ice-cream. In his honor, his family will be celebrating with strawberry ice- cream together as a family. We ask that in lieu of flowers, you go home and eat ice-cream with your families and remember him. Feel free to send us your pictures as you celebrated him. It will make him smile up in heaven. ♥