Wylie L. Knight was born June 9, 1925, in Selman, Okla., to Lee and Jessie (Craighead) Knight and died at his home Sept. 23,2005, at the age of 80 years. He moved to the Burr Oak area when he was 2, graduating from Burr Oak High School in 1943. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his two brothers, Curtiss Ray and Arthur Louis, who died in 1938 in a drowning accident when Wylie was 12. His parents later took in a foster child, Robert "Leroy" Railsback who was raised as a brother to Wylie. He is also deceased. In 1946, with the help of Robert Korb, Wylie started his own custom harvesting business, traveling yearly from Texas to the Canadian line. For his first harvest run he bought a pull type combine and tractor and moved from each stop, pulling his combine at 12 miles per hour. On Aug. 15, 1950, Vida Smullins drove to a harvest field in Murdo, S. D., picked up Wylie and drove to Pierre, S. D., where they were married. In March 1951 he was inducted into the United States Army, 7th Calvary, 1st Infantry, Fort Riley, Kan., and served in theKorean War, earning the Purple Heart Medallion. After the service, Wylie continued his custom harvesting operation. He also drove the star mail route and owned the route for nearly 20 years. In 1957 Wylie and Vida built their home next to her parents' home in Burr Oak. That was their winter home and every summer was spent on the road in motels or trailers. Wylie said he lived out his dream, but the best sight was coming over the north hill after the harvest run and seeing Burr Oak. He made many friends along the harvest trail and worked for the same people for more than 40 years. Wylie had many employees over the years and enjoyed their visits and calls. Wylie's hobbies were cars and planes. He restored several old trucksand cars in the winter months. In 1979, at the age of 54, he bought an airplane and passed his test for his private pilot's license. Wylie and Vida started purchasing farm ground in the 1960's and that land is now part of the Knight Family Farms. He was proud of the land and said there was never going to be any more land, so it had to be cared for. He retired from custom harvesting and farming in 1998. Wylie severely injured his left leg in a car accident in 1967, the same one that was wounded in the war. After 30 years he had to use a crutch to walk and he did not slow down until he re-injured the leg in 2002. Wylie and Vida enjoyed traveling and took driving trips around the states, seeing old friends and meeting new ones. They especially loved their monthly "Prairie Band" trips. Although Wylie experienced tragedies at a young age, he always had a positive attitude about life and said hard work, honesty, and a good education will lead to success. This was his legacy to his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 55 years; two daughters, Cynthia Clark and husband, Dennis, Burr Oak; Kitza Siemers and husband, Kurt, Salina; four grandchildren, Laci Clark, New York, N. Y. Derek Clark and wife, Ashley, Hays; Kassidy and Kasey Knowles, Salina; two step-grandchildren, Brent Siemers and wife, Gretchen, Kansas City; Kevin Siemers, Colorado Springs. He will also be greatly missed by longtime friend, Robert Pumarlo and wife, Vonda and children, Wylie Pumarlo, Windy Richmeier and Cindi Reinert and their families. A celebration of life service was held for Wylie L. Knight on Thursday, Sept. 29,2005, at 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, Burr Oak, with pastor Lance McDowell officiating. Music was provided by Diana Dethloff, organist, and Kassidy Knowles, soloist. Casket bearers were Ron Smullins, Curt Smullins, Eddie Beam, Steven Knowles, Jim Pursell, Rick Warneking, and Steve Cosand. Honorary casket bearers were Sam Humes, Paul Pettit, Kenton Boutz, Curt Calahan, Bobby Korb, Wylie Pumarlo, Chris Petet and Nelson Harris. Military rites were presented by United States Army Honor Guard, Fort Riley, and Emery Clemons American Legion Post No. 263, Burr Oak. Interment was in Burr Oak Cemetery, Burr Oak. The family suggests memorials to the Wylie L. Knight Memorial Scholarship Fund. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.