Louis Guinn McKnight

Louis G. McKnight, 89, of Amarillo, TX went to be with His Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 after peacefully passing away at home.

Born to Harold and Vesta McKnight in Turney, Texas on January 2, 1935, Louis lived in the Jacksonville and Henderson communities during his growing up days and loved the trees of East Texas. He attended and graduated from Henderson High School. His education then continued as he became a “Fightin” Texas Aggie. He was a member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, Squadron 16, Class of ‘57. Aggieland was in his system, influenced him greatly, and remained important to him throughout his life.

Louis married Jacqueline Smith, the love of his life, on August 15,1959 in Big Spring, TX. They recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. Their spiritual legacy began with Louis teaching Sunday School in the numerous places they lived the first years of marriage. Their service for the Lord continued for the next 48 years as they partnered together in teaching Young Married Sunday School for over 25 years, then expanded to facilitating discipleship courses like Master Life and Empty Nest. Louis has most recently led a Tuesday morning Men’s Bible Study and has a “Board Meeting” on Thursdays at a local donut shop that grew to include anyone who wanted to join.

Louis’ work career began in Big Spring, TX with Jones & Laughlin Oil Well Supply. He then served in the Air Force in Del Rio, TX. After serving in the Air Force, he began a 31 year career in the life insurance industry with Equitable Life Assurance Society returning to Big Spring, TX and ultimately moved to Amarillo in 1973. His work career ended after working for Amarillo ISD as an Employee Benefits Manager.

Retirement offered opportunities for he and Jacque to traverse many highways and byways often avoiding interstates. He built a workshop, and enjoyed helping his neighbors with varying tasks. He was always on the move, helping those around him with a true servant’s heart.

They were members of Paramount Baptist in Amarillo, TX for more than 45 years and most recently were members of First Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife Jacque McKnight; his son, Mark McKnight and wife Lisa; his daughter, Melody Westlake and husband Ted, all of Amarillo, TX, and his daughter Megan Teal and husband Glen, of Buffalo Gap, TX. Grandchildren include Shiloh McKnight Ballin and husband Ricky, Seth McKnight and wife Lauren, Shalee McKnight Pace and husband Sawyer, Ben Westlake and wife Dylan, Adam Westlake, Kason Teal and Janson Teal. Great-grandchildren include Graham and Baker Westlake, and Kyler and Colter Pace.

A Celebration of Life Service will be at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, October 31, 2024, at First Baptist Church with Dr. Howard Batson officiating. A private family graveside service is planned. Viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd. in Amarillo, TX.