Michael L. Knight

     Michael “Mike” L. Knight, 74, of Carmi, passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital. Born May 24, 1952, in Fairfield, Illinois, he was the son of William “Bud” and Dorothy Pauline (Evans) Knight. Mike graduated from Crossville High School and Wabash Valley College with an Associates Degree. He enlisted in the United States Army and retired as a Master Sergeant after 20 years of service. He then served as White County Probation Officer for 17 years, making a lasting difference in many lives. After retiring, Mike volunteered as a door greeter at Lincoln and Jefferson Schools, where he was affectionately known as “Mr. Mike.” He was a member of Springerton Christian Church, the Carmi American Legion, and the Carmi VFW. He also was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, member of the Fairfield Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and helped the Carmi Christmas Elves. Mike enjoyed fishing, watching westerns and The Andy Griffith Show, and spending time with his family.

     Mike is survived by his longtime companion, Paula Dozier of Carmi; children, Mary Knight of Fairfield, Jessica Rone of Fairfield, Trish (Billy) Hall of Harrisburg, James Knight of Port Royal, SC, and Angie (Rick) Wilson of Waltonville, IL; eight grandchildren, Jared, Ian, and Marcus Draper; Taylor; Madison, and Katelyn Hall; and Aiden and Addison Wilson; siblings, Bill (Jolene) Knight, Greg (Melissa) Knight, Rick (Kelly) Knight, Steve (Connie) Knight, Doug (Tammy) Knight, Elaine (John) Endicott, Sheryl (Mike) Blazier, and Teresa (Kevin) Stocke; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Dorothy Knight; sister, Barb Myatt; brother-in-law, Jimmy DeLong; and great-nephew, Jonah Goodman.

     Funeral Services for Michael “Mike” L. Knight, 74, of Carmi will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026 at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Burial will follow in White County Memorial Garden in Carmi with full military honors by Carmi American Legion and VFW. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. through 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mike’s memory to the Mike Knight Memorial Fund which will used to place benches at Lincoln and Jefferson Schools along with other community projects. Donations will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi or by mail to 609 W. Main St., Carmi, IL 62821.