William Blaine Knott
April 19, 1954 ~ July 10, 2020
William Blaine Knott passed away on July 10, 2020, after a long battle with multiple myeloma.
He was born on April 19, 1954, in Liberal, Kansas, at the old Epworth Hospital. He grew up in Plains, Kansas, where he had a great childhood playing golf, swimming and playing baseball and basketball (football, not so much).
He attended Seward County Community College and then, in 1974, he went on to Wichita State University, where he earned Bachelors and Masters of Arts degrees. He remained an avid Shocker fan for the rest of his life.
Upon completion of his Masters degree and after a one-year appointment as a physical education instructor at WSU, even though he never officially took a PE class in all of his years in college, he went to work at Boeing (so he would have a job until he found a job he liked). 30 years, 3 months and 5 days later, he retired from there in order to concentrate on his family and beating his multiple myeloma disease.
Originally given approximately five years to survive, he was able to beat his illness for 15 years, by way of fantastic medical care, five stem cell transplants and a very strong will to live. He often said that he knew Heaven would be eternal happiness, but he wasn’t in any hurry to get there because he had such a great life on Earth and didn’t want it to ever end.
He is preceded in death by his parents Edna Mae (1967) and Gregory Knott (2013), and sister Tara (1967). He is survived by his wife Melissa (“Missi”), daughter Bailey Ann Clark (Chris), son Jeffrey Blaine, two grandchildren Callie Lane Clark and Miles Blaine Clark, all of whom were the “light of his life.” He is also survived by brothers Kerry and Aven, sister Melodie, stepmother Joyce and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Rosary will be at 5:30 pm, Thursday, July 16, 2020; Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Friday, July 17, 2020, both at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.
In lieu of a memorial, Blaine asks that any donations be made to the Victory of the Valley or to the campaigns of any candidate running against any Democrat in the 2020 elections.
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Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your lossour thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Blake would always use a cheep zebco fishing reel which we would give him trash for but he usually proved us wrong by catching as many or more fish than the guys with the high dollar equipment. I will miss his smile and not seeing him leaning against the wall at a WSU baseball game!! Paul Burghart
I met Blaine when our two grade schools, Kismet & Plains, consolidated to SWH high school in 1968. Blaine was my quarterback and we became friends. He always had that smile and was a good guy. My condolences and prayers for all. Rest In Peace, Blaine, and enjoy heaven.
My brother Blaine was a unique and the most determined person I have ever met in my life. His courage and strength during his illness was the most amazing thing I have ever seen! His passions ran deep, whether it was on the golf course, in discussing politics or his love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He took a giant bite out of life and wholly and completely loved all his friends and his wonderful family. There is no doubt that he will be missed by all of us, but I will chose to celebrate the life he lived and the lessons he shared. God speed big brother!!
Missi – We are so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Missi, Bailey and Jeffery, please accept my heartfelt condolences for your sad loss. I pray that you will feel God’s precious comfort and peace. Sincerely, Stacy Cofer and Daughters.
The kids and I have such fond memories of Blaine from our time living on Elm Ct. Lifting you and your family up in prayer.
Blaine was my first cousin. He was older which made him cool by default. We went our separate ways until recently when we connected on FB. He showed a lot of grace given he had not long to live. We discussed politics of course. I was sorry I wouldn’t get to sit with him and shoot the shit in person. And even though he hardly knew me he took the time to send me the following message dated June 23, “Hi Lisa. I’m down to about a week left, so want you to know that I always thought that you were a pretty cool lady and one I wish I would have gotten to know better.” I saw this after he passed and so sad that I did not get to say goodbye. RIP cuz.
We are so saddened to hear of Uncle Blaine’s passing…Missi, Bailey, and Jeff, we are all thinking of you and send our love for your family and Uncle Blaine. We like to imagine him reunited with Grandpa Gregg, Grandma Edna and Tara on streets- and maybe a golf course- made of gold. Love, Tara, Kelli, Riley, and Alison
Love, Tara, Kelli, Riley, and Alison Knott
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Praying and thinking of you all – Love Barbara and David
Our sincere condolences.
Rest in peace brother. Love to you Missi, Jeff, Bailey, Chris, Caley and Niles. He loves you so much and will never stop looking over you.
So sorry for your loss Missi, we are thinking of and praying for you and your family.
Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Our hearts and love are with you always! You can count on our donation for 2020 election! Much Love,
Missi and Family, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. It’s been an honor for me to get to know Blaine and you through the Victory in the Valley Hospitality Center. I always admired Blaine’s courage and strength. His great smile, sense of humor and friendship will always be cherished. Blessings to you and your family.
I have great memories of Blaine coaching basketball with his son Jeff and all his buddies. What a great guy and super coach to those young kids. Thank you Blaine and God Bless you and your family JH
I never had the pleasure of knowing your husband Missi. We’re very sorry for your loss and our deepest condolences to you and your family. Sincerely, Jack & Diana Kranz
Blaine was just an all around great guy. I never heard an ugly word come out of his mouth. I will forever remember him for his strength and courage during such a difficult time. He never gave up. He will forever be remembered.
Missi, Blaine has been on my mind a lot , he sent me a message about a month ago telling me he wasn’t going to be around much longer. Blaine was one of my very special patients!!! I hope you get this message. I loved you both so much. I hope you & the family are doing well. I will keep you and your win my prayers.