- Bob Knight, a man who gave himself freely and fully to his family, business, state, and community, died Thursday. He was born July 15, 1945, in the former Rollins Hospital at Gassville. Bob graduated from Mountain Home High School in 1963, the Wichita School of Broadcasting in 1965, and served in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1969 aboard the battleship New Jersey. Those who were lucky enough to know Bob were aware that he had a deep and abiding passion for the Bombers, broadcasting, the Twin Lakes Area, his state, and the Navy. Many of his numberless stories were centered on one of those passions. His family was his first priority. He was married to the former Sue Hightower for 48 years. They were a team in every sense of the word. He would light up when talking about his daughter and grandchildren. Bob was 23 when he started working at KTLO in 1968. He and Sue were part of a group including two local doctors, Johnny and Bobby Ahrens, who bought the station in 1973. In 1994, current co-owner Danny Ward and his wife, Velma, became partners, along with Charlie and Scottie Earls. Mountain Lakes Broadcasting Corporation was formed. The Knights and Wards bought the Earls' interest in 2012. Bob earned accolades for his devoted and tireless service to organizations both local and statewide. He was president of the Mountain Home Educational Foundation for 16 years. He was also a past president of the Arkansas Broadcasters' Association and chairman of the Arkansas Parks and Tourism Commission. The jobs Bob held had one general aim, to make the Twin Lake Area and the State of Arkansas better places to live and work. Bob's wry sense of humor brightened up the day and will be missed. For four decades, people in the KTLO listening area have started their day with his program's signature opening, "It's time to rise and shine." Bob Knight was preceded in death by his wife of almost 50 years, Sue Hightower Knight, and son, Jordan Knight. He is survived by his daughter, Heather Loftis, her husband, Chris, and two grandchildren, Mia and Jordan Zane Loftis. Services for Bob Knight will be held at the Dunbar Auditorium at 500 Bomber Blvd. next to Mountain Home High School at 2:00 p.m., Monday. Services will under the direction of Roller Funeral Home. The family request that you honor Bob's life by supporting our community through the work of the Mountain Home Education Foundation, Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation, or the church, local business, or charity of your choice.
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1945 - 2021 (76 years)
