[2019] Col. Edward Knights, Retire US Army (61-19) 26 APR 19

[sgtmack]

US ARMY RETIRED

The family of Mr. Edward Knights, a US Army Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders at the services, LEO supported procession, and graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one.

Col. (Ret) Edward Marvin Knights, age 75, passed away at his home in Houston, surrounded by family, on March 31, 2019, after a courageous fight against cancer. Ed was born on January 3, 1944 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to Edward and Dorothy (Patton) Knights. From a young age, he vowed to grow up to be “a cowboy and a soldier.” He graduated from Bucknell University and, following in his father’s footsteps, went to dentistry school at the University of Pennsylvania. Ed shared a successful dental practice with his father for almost a decade. He had the steady hands required by the profession, earning him praise from many of his patients.

Ed’s dexterity made him an excellent marksman with almost any firearm. Although his father gave him his first .22 rifle, it was Ed’s grandfather, who was left-handed like him, who taught him how to shoot and respect guns. Ed enjoyed shooting activities his entire life, especially Cowboy Action Shooting, and reveled in any opportunity to talk with a fellow enthusiast.

In 2011, Ed married fellow enthusiast Mary Johnson. They were soul mates who shared a fiercely independent spirit and cast-iron principles. They embarked on many journeys together, caring for family and building a life together. Mary supported Ed on his final journey and never wavered, lovingly devoted to him until the end.

Ed fulfilled the soldier part of his dream by proudly serving his country from 1969 – 2002 in the U.S. Army, in active or reserve status, for more than 30 years, retiring with the rank of Colonel. He commanded the Southeast and Great Plains Regions, was appointed Chief of Healthcare Education and Training for the Army, served as Associate Dean of AMEDD Center and School, and was stationed overseas in Germany (twice) and Kuwait. He was awarded the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal multiple times, once for saving the life of a soldier. As a leader, Ed never lost sight that what mattered most was the people who served with him.

Although Ed was stationed many places, it was in Texas that he felt most at home. He wasn’t born in the Lone Star state but, as the saying goes, he got here as soon as he could. Ed put down roots by buying property in the Hill Country at the YO Ranchlands, a place where he could enjoy the cowboy life he dreamed of. It was on the range where Ed was most at peace with the world, teaching his grandchildren how to shoot and sharing with them his respect for the land and its creatures.

Ed made a lasting impression on people he met. The secret was his legendary sense of humor. He had a quick wit and enjoyed poking fun at the absurd in life. During one of his hospital stays, he compared his blood oxygen levels with others in the room and, when his level was slightly higher than someone else, declared himself to be the healthier of the two “give or take a margin of error.” His sense of humor never abandoned him, even during the darkest days of his illness, and will be long remembered.

In addition to his wife, Ed is survived by his children Josh (Lara), Elissa (Drew), Jeremy, Jared, and Brittany (Jacob); grandchildren Will, Xander, Kingston, Maya, Carter, Liam, and Bella; sister Dotty (David); and many nieces and nephews.

WEATHER: Hi — / Lo –, –% Chance of Rain, –% Humidity (TBD)

REQUESTOR: Jacob Klein, Son-In-Law

Fort Sam Houston Visitor Center: 0730 Hours

**FSH VISITORS CENTER**
892 Hood St
San Antonio, TX 78208
https://goo.gl/maps/ RUUqG4ThKUH2

INSTRUCTIONS FOR 26 APRIL 2019 MAIN CHAPEL

If you plan to attend services and do not have a military ID card, arrive at the FSH VC, NLT 0745.

STAGING: 0800 Hours, Friday, April 26, 2019

FSH Main Post Chapel
2301 Wilson Way
Ft Sam Houston, TX 78234
https://goo.gl/maps/ 6pEvRwr4CTP2

BRIEFING: 0815 Hours

SERVICE: 0900 Hours

FSH Main Post Chapel
2301 Wilson Way
Ft Sam Houston, TX 78234
https://goo.gl/maps/ 6pEvRwr4CTP2

KSU: 1030 Hours (Semper Gumby)

INTERMENT: 1100 Hours Shelter #1

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd
San Antonio, TX 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/ThiWmPirmtr

RC: NEEDED

FC: NEEDED

Warm Regards,

Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223