Thomas Joseph 'T.J.' Knight

Thomas J. Knight (T.J.)
01/18/1927 – 04/06/2019

T.J. Passed away on April 6, 2019 at the age of 92 with the love of his life Kay, and family by his side. He was born January 18, 1927 in Bristow, Oklahoma to Robert and Lottie Knight, the oldest of 8 children.
At 16 years old he moved to Phoenix, AZ., where he finished high school and College. T.J. soon met his forever beloved, Kay, married her on her birthday 03/31/1952, and often shared that was the best birthday gift she ever got! They were blessed to have had 67 years of amazing marriage, something that is hard to find today. He joined the Air Force and devoted many years to his service overseas and in the USA. The adventures never ended for the two. After the service he continued his work with Arizona Public Service as a lineman and was stationed in Keams Canyon, AZ, where he placed the first electricity to the mesas for the Hopi Tribe, there he was loved by the Hopi people and welcomed into their homes and Kivas often. After retiring from Arizona Public service, the family moved to Mexican Hat, Utah where he owned the Mexican Hat Trading Post, Café, gas station, laundry mat and trailer park. While there he grew to appreciate the Navajo culture. He was the first EMT and brought the first ambulance and fire truck to the community, he taught many to become EMT’s and Firefighters. He responded often alone with a driver he found along the way, many lives were saved by his quick response and care. T.J. developed the first water station that served the community with a sustainable water source. He loved to serve others and was very humble about it, often finding others in need and helping.
He was the pillar for this family and took his position as the oldest very seriously. Helping to raise nieces and nephews in one form or another and they knew that Uncle Tom would strongly encourage working in the store or café if they were to live with us, he taught them the value of family. A man of few words but a love so deep. The family will be forever blessed!
T. J. is survived by his dearly loved family, his wife Kay of Dolores, CO.; children Thomas J. Knight, II of Phoenix, AZ, Vanessa Schneider (Bill), of Phoenix, AZ and Liz (J. R.) Sellers of Dolores, CO; 7 grandchildren, Justin (Natalie), Kolton, Kate-lyn, Julia, Nathaniel, Aubrey (Adrian) and Zacheri; his sister, Cecilia Fletcher, brother, Paul Knight, and brother in law, Dutch (Eva) VanEss.
He is joyously reunited with many family and friends including his parents, 4 brothers and 1 sister.