Kent Howell McKnight passed away March 17 after an extended illness.
He is survived by his sons Jeffry, Karl, and Larry, daughter Kathleen and 18 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Vera Lena Babbel, and a son Mark.Kent was born April 21, 1921 in Moreland, Idaho to Myrtle Parker and Harrison McKnight. As a young man he excelled at debate and dancing. His studies at Brigham Young University were interrupted by service in the Navy during World War II. Severely injured in Cuba he fought back from catastrophic disability to earn the Ph.D. in Botany from the U. of Michigan. After teaching botany at B.Y.U. for almost 20 years he became a research mycologist for the U.S.D.A. at Beltsville, Maryland. During his 20 years of civil service he did extensive fieldwork throughout North America and Europe. After retirement in Leeds, Utah he continued his research in the Rocky Mountains. In addition to numerous professional publications, Kent collaborated with his artist wife Vera in producing the Peterson Field Guide to the Mushrooms. Numerous amateur mycologists remember great forays with the McKnights. Kent served lifelong in the LDS church. Callings included stake clerk, high councilman, and patriarch. His years of creative leadership in scouting were recognized with the Silver Beaver award. His children consider his greatest achievement to be the teaching by example of many principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We thank him for his strength and generosity.
Funeral services will be held Friday at 3 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 225 S. 200 E., Salt Lake City with a viewing beginning at 2 p.m. A graveside service will be held Saturday at noon in the Leeds Cemetary.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Primary Childrens Medical Center.
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