Leighton Knight

Leighton Douglas Knight was born on November 18, 1940, to Floyd and Hattie (Smith) Knight in Watertown, SD. He grew up on the Knight family farm near Thomas, SD. Leighton attended Thomas schools until it closed in 1957 before the start of his senior year. He attended and graduated from Hazel High School in Hazel, SD where he met the love of his life, Nila Buskrud.

Leighton and Nila were married on August 14, 1960. They lived on the Knight farm where they started their family. Leighton and Nila were blessed with three sons, Kirk, Koln, and Kory and two daughters, Leah and Jana. In 1971, Leighton sold the farm and the family moved to Clear Lake, SD where he worked for John Deere. In 1974 the family relocated to Beresford, SD. Leighton served as sales manager for Pedersen Machine until he retired in March of 2018.

Other than his personal relationship with the Lord, Leighton loved the 4Fs: family, flying, farming and firearms. When Leighton flew planes, he loved to do aerobatics. If you were ever a passenger, you were lucky if you got a “hold on” warning before he went into a loop, roll or spin. Another passion of Leighton’s was watching his kids and grandchildren compete in sports. Leighton and Nila traveled all over the country to watch them. On several occasions, Leighton drew attention from “rabbit eared” refs or umpires as he liked to call them. We cannot confirm nor deny if he was ever kicked out of an event.

After almost 50 years in Beresford, Leighton and Nila sold their home in 2024 and moved to Sioux Falls.

Leighton is survived by his wife, Nila, and his children, Kirk (Coleen), Koln (Nancy), Kory (Andrea), Leah, and Jana (Jim). He is survived by 9 grandchildren: Amanda (Shay), Kylee (Corey), Kegan (Alicia), Kelsey (Scott), Karson, Kyle (Shanell), Kailey (Cole), Katie, Landry and 14 great grandchildren. Leighton is also survived by his sisters-in-laws Ann Marie (Joe) Gauer and Marlene Buskrud along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dwayne, sisters Marion Trumm and Janet Shelsta, his in-laws, Lyle and Florence Buskrud; and brothers- in-laws, Alan Buskrud, Milton Trumm, Clayton Shelsta and sister-in-law Fern Knight.

Memorial services will be 10AM Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 101 S 5th Street, Beresford, SD with visitation one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be directed to Emmanuel Lutheran Church Carpet Fund.