Lyle Knight

Lyle Franklin Knight, said goodbye peacefully and quietly on Monday evening June 20, 2016, in South Jordan, Utah. Ever the command pilot, Lyle’s passing was calm yet his attention focused on his new mission: a joyous reunion with his family, friends and his sweetheart, Rula. He was a few weeks shy of his 94th birthday.

Lyle was born in Clawson, Teton County, Idaho on August 18th, 1922 to G. Franklin Knight and Lucille Little Knight. The first of three children, Lyle was raised in “the valley” and was surrounded by a large and loving extended family that proved to be an anchor throughout his life. Lyle attended school in Driggs, Idaho where his father taught for 38 years. He was a 3-year letterman in both football and basketball at Teton High School graduating in 1940.

After one semester at Idaho State University, Lyle moved to Los Angeles to study aeronautical engineering. While in Los Angeles, he was drafted and as a result of his familiarity with aircraft he was selected for flight training and attended schools in various places before receiving his wings and his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Air Force in 1943. He flew everything from single engine trainers to multi-engine jet bombers, during World War II, the Cold War, Korea and Viet Nam. His career would last 30 years.

From the time he was 15 years old, there was only one girl for Lyle: Rula Poulsen. His pursuit of her was legendary, and they were married July 13, 1946 at the Fort Douglas Chapel in Salt Lake City, Utah. Lyle was strong, courageous, dependable, and he was putty in Rula’s hands for the next 65 years. During that time they traveled the world, serving their nation and their church in so many ways. They raised three children (Debbie, George and Jim), numerous “walk-ins” and made countless friends whose relationships will transcend their time on this earth.

Lyle’s life can be defined by three words: Devotion to Duty. He epitomized the words Love and Honor - as a father to his children who revere him, a grandpa to his grandchildren who cherish him, and “grandpa great” to his great grandchildren who adore him. His example will ever serve as a standard for all of us to follow.

Rula died in 2011, and while Lyle continued to “soldier on,” he was never quite the same without her, and the twinkle in his eyes began to fade. It was clear to all that life would not be complete without her in his arms. While we mourn his passing and will miss him terribly, we find great happiness in the joyous reunion that is taking place.

Lyle is survived by his 3 children, 17 grandchildren, and 29 great grandchildren; his brother Edwin Knight, nieces, nephews, and enough cousins to populate a small town.

A memorial service will be held Monday, June 27, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Kensington Chapel, 1885 North Summer Wood Drive, Farmington, Utah. Friends can meet with the family beginning at 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. at the church.

A graveside service will be held at the Cache Clawson Cemetery near Tetonia, Idaho on Monday, July 4 at 1 p.m. complete with sparklers, fireworks, and the appropriate salutes.

Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah.