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MCKNIGHT, FRANK "BENNY" WESLEY, age 85, of Rosebush died Monday, August 8, 2016 with his family at his side.

A Memorial Service to celebrate and honor Benny's life will be held at Clark Family Funeral Chapel on Saturday, August 13, at 11 a.m. A Luncheon will immediately follow in the Reflections Reception Center. The family will receive friends the day of the service from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel.

Frank, known as Benny by family and friends was born in Clare, MI, to Dr. Frank Wesley McKnight and Margaret Mary McKnight. He attended Clare High School where he met his future wife, Dawn. Benny attended the New York School of Social Research before returning to Clare to marry his high school sweetheart, Dawn Drake in 1950. Benny and Dawn moved to the McKnight family farm in Rosebush, where they raised 8 children. He was employed at Dow Chemical Company in Midland for 34 years, where he was able to continue his education at Hillsdale College and Grand Valley State College. Benny also managed the family farm. He loved the farm, playing on his tractor, enjoyed music, photography, telling tall-tales, camping, and canoeing, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his always-growing family. Benny was a great husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He dedicated his life to raising his 8 children. His wife and children were his greatest love.

Benny is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dawn; children, Christine McKnight, Beth (Joe) Forrest, Scott McKnight, Pam McKnight, Cheryl (Mike) Davis, David (Tracey) McKnight, and April (Ben Bosworth); grandchildren, Stephanie, Ben, Jason, Mitch, Lydia, Michael, Robbie, Steven, Shawn, Amanda, Amy, Michelle, Kellyn, Geena, and Calvin; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Benny was preceded in death by his eldest son, Frank Wesley "Lee" McKnight; sister, Roberta McKnight Breslaur; and parents, Dr. Frank and Margaret McKnight.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frank Wesley McKnight, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.