Bryan Lee McKnight

Bryan Lee McKnight, 64, a lifelong citizen of Arkansas City, left this Earth for his eternal home on March 10th, 2025.

Bryan was born on November 6th, 1960, in Arkansas City, KS. He was the eldest of 3 children born to Chet and Hazel (Vaden) McKnight. Bryan was reared and educated in Ark City and graduated from Arkansas City High School with the class of 1979. Bryan later went on to graduate from Cowley County Community College with a degree in communications.

Bryan began working for the State of Kansas in the 1980’s where he stayed employed with the Department of Corrections for over 40 years. Additionally, Bryan lovingly served as the pastor at Silverdale Community Church in Silverdale, KS for the past 8 years.

In December 1981 Bryan married Jeanne Kuhlmeier, and to this union 3 children were born. They later divorced. In 1995 Bryan married his wife Teresa Johnson and of this union one child was reared.

Bryan was a gentle giant, who was always willing to lend a helping hand, and was known for being a very knowledgeable and kind man. Bryan loved photography, journaling, and was an avid collector of many things, specifically Coca Cola memorabilia.

Bryan loved and was loved by many close friends and family. Bryan is survived by his daughters Jennifer Edwards of Columbus, WI, Lesa Ryan of Arkansas City, KS, and Stephanie (Derrick) Mitchell of Kaukauna, WI. His grandchildren, Kodi Edwards of Madison WI, Kylinn, Tyler, and Lylah Ryan of Arkansas City, KS, great-grandsons Grayson and Eli Edwards of Wisconsin. His siblings Cindy (Dale) Copeland of Arkansas City, KS and Randy McKnight (Arti Singh) of Arkansas City, KS, and niece Krista Jacobs of Maple City, KS, with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in laws, and numerous friends.

Bryan was welcomed into heaven by his beloved wife Teresa, his parents Chet and Hazel McKnight, his son Jason McKnight, and 2 son in laws, Josh Ryan and Jason Edwards.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, March 14, 2025 at the Silverdale Community Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Silverdale Community Church, donations may be left in the care of the Shelley Family Funeral Home of Arkansas City.