Obituaries - Friday, September 18
Brian Rene Knight
April 21, 1960 - September 7, 2026
Brian Rene Knight, 66, of Salina, passed away on September 7, 2026. He was born on April 21, 1960, the second son of Rene H. “Skip” Knight and Carla Sue Knight in Salina.
Brian attended Grace E. Stewart Elementary School, Salina Junior High School South and Salina High School South, graduating in May 1978. He then attended Cloud County Community College in Concordia from August 1978 through May 1980, where he received his Associate of Science degree. Brian then attended Kansas State University in Manhattan and went on to work for Walters-Morgan Construction.
Later he went to work for Farmland Industries in Kansas City, Missouri, as a merchandiser in their meat division. Eventually, Brian returned to Salina to begin his career as a plumber and pipefitter. In 2006, Brian ventured to Yellowstone National Park in Montana, where he worked as a facilities maintenance man until the spring of 2008, when health issues brought him back to Salina. When he was able to return to work, Brian finished his career working in the facility maintenance department at St. John’s Military Academy and then 1st Aviation. In 2022 Brian was forced to retire because of health issues. This gave him the unique and rewarding opportunity to become full-time care provider for his parents in their final years.
When Brian had free time he had a creative side and a fondness for art. He enjoyed working in his sketch book and sculpting art pieces made of wood.
Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Rene Hunter “Skip” Knight and Carla Sue Knight, and his brother Bradley Eugene Knight. He is survived by his brothers Ronald (Rene’) Knight and Daniel (Lisa) Knight; his nephews Bradley (Aimee) Knight, Craig (Tricia) Knight and Chase (Rylie) Knight; and his niece Danielle (Zachary) Kinsey. He is also survived by his aunt Linda Shadel, great aunt Phyllis McDowell, many cousins, and eight great-nephews and four great-nieces.
A graveside memorial service will be held on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Roselawn Memorial Park, 1920 E Crawford St., Salina.
The family requests no flowers. Memorials can be made out to Trinity Lutheran Church, 720 S 9th St., Salina, 67401.
Ryan Mortuary
