Wayne Elliott Knighton

Wayne Knighton passed away on April 21, 2010, after a long illness. He was born to Delna Bernice Burtenshaw and Parley King Knighton (deceased) on April 20, 1952. He married Laurie Knighton on May 27, 2008, in Garland, Utah. He was previously married to Charlene Frank Knighton on April 26, 1974 and Julie Poulsen on September 21, 2001. He attended Sky View High School in Smithfield, Utah, where he graduated in 1970. He received an Associates Degree in Business from Salt Lake Community College and studied music at Utah State University and Weber State where he played the saxophone in both bands. Wayne spent eight years in the Air Force. He spent many years as a painter. He was very talented and meticulous. He worked for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and assisted in restoring the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. He worked for many years painting for the Physical Plant at Utah State University. He worked for Wal-Mart Distribution Center as a transportation scheduler. He served a full-time mission in Argentina. He had a deep love for music and had a beautiful voice and sang with several choirs. Wayne also played several instruments. He enjoyed woodworking and the American Indian arts. He took classes to learn how to make American Indian flutes. He and his stepson Tim Lee, who was a great friend, spent many hours during his last months of life making these flutes to give as gifts to those he loved. Wayne was a gentle soul and was never heard saying an unkind word about anyone. He was generous and went out of his way to give to others even when his health was failing. Survived by children: Jennifer Peterson (Chris) and children Lauren and Drew; Troy Knighton (Melissa) and children Abigail and Eleanor; Sean Knighton (Holly) and children Jacob and Anna; Cole Knighton (Jill) and child Hunter. Also survived by brothers and sisters: Raymond Knighton (Kathy); Gary Knighton (Karen); Don Knighton (Paula); Joyce Casella; Lynda Clark (Jay); Ruth Kramer (Dale); Sharon Hardman (Darren); Donna Knighton. There will be a viewing from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 25, at the Jordan Parkway Ward, 3935 S. 1500 West, West Valley City. There will also be a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 26, at the same location. The funeral will begin at 11 a.m. with the burial following at the Bountiful City Cemetery. Special thanks for the wonderful loving care from Rocky Mountain Hospice and the Cancer Center at Intermountain Medical Center. In the past few months Wayne had been bringing candy for patients at the cancer center after chemotherapy. In lieu of flowers, you could make a candy donation to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.