David Edward Knight

David Edward “Johnny” Knight, 74, of Mulvane, Kansas, passed away on July 23, 2026, in Douglass, Kansas.

Born December 12, 1951, in Eureka, Kansas, to David and Hazel (Roberts) Knight, Johnny moved with his family to Mulvane at age four. He grew up there, attended Mulvane Public Schools, and graduated with the Class of 1969.

Right out of high school, Johnny hit the open road, beginning a lifelong career in long-haul trucking. He loved the freedom of the highway and the quiet rhythm of life behind the wheel. But his need for speed didn’t stop there—Johnny had a deep love for motorcycles, race cars, and anything with a motor and wheels. Whether he was tinkering in the garage or catching a race on TV, the rumble of an engine was music to his ears. He had a natural gift for mechanics and could fix just about anything, and he never hesitated to lend that skill to family or neighbors in need.

On October 10, 1992, Johnny married Patricia Marie Corbin, and the two built a loving partnership that lasted until his final day. She was his steady co-pilot through all of life’s miles.

Yet for all his love of horsepower, Johnny had another side—one born in his mother’s dance studio. He learned to dance almost as soon as he learned to walk, and over the years, he mastered everything from elegant ballroom to lively two-stepping. He had music in his soul, especially the blues, and he could move to it with a grace that surprised everyone who knew him. A night out with Patricia often ended with him leading her across the floor.

Johnny is survived by his wife, Patricia; his two sisters, Kathy Knight and her husband Mike Guinn, and Marla Gifford and her husband Gary Bowen; his children, Edie Raitt and her husband Ben, John Knight and his wife Courtney, and stepchild Daleen Ross and her partner in life, Isiah Walker II. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandsons—Thane Rutherford and his wife Kayla, Caden Knight, Thaxton Ross, Max Raitt, Thoren Ross, Byram Raitt, and Chase Knight—and one granddaughter, Aonna Raitt. He also leaves behind four great-grandchildren and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Hazel Knight. His mother in law, Dolores Allen, and his brother in law, Donald Corbin.

A graveside service will be held this fall in September or October at Mulvane Cemetery, allowing family and friends to gather without the summer heat. In keeping with Johnny’s final wish, a separate spreading-of-ashes ceremony will also take place—he’ll get one last high-speed ride as he’s sent off from the back of a drag car. Dates for both services will be announced on the family’s Facebook page; please follow the link below for updates.

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1DZnw25sxE/

https://gofund.me/39cf930ae