Bill Knighten

WD "Bill" Knighten Jr., age 79, of Upper Sandusky, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the Wyandot County Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center.

Bill was born on June 6, 1946, to WD Knighten Sr. and Eileen Lois (Murdock) Knighten. Bill married Shelba Walton on June 6, 1977, in San Terra, California, and she survives in Upper Sandusky.

Bill is also survived by his son, Michael David (Jennifer) Knighten of Idaho, daughter Kathleen (Bill) Harper of Santee, California, grandchildren Elizabeth and Michael Medlin, 3 great grandchildren, and his sister Lois Skidmore.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Belinda Henry.

After High School, Bill joined the US Navy and spent 3 tours in Vietnam and served for over 20 years until he retired as a Warrant Officer in 1989. Bill then went on to work for the city of San Diego for many years.

Bill and Shelba moved back to Upper Sandusky and Bill volunteered for 11 years at Wyandot Memorial Hospital, 2 years at the Wyandot County Council on Aging delivering meals, and he was a member of the Upper Sandusky Church of the Nazarene for 15 years.

For hobbies, Bill was a ham radio operator and reached over 180 different countries. Bill was always friendly and enjoyed talking to people. He was always active, and he enjoyed riding his bicycle, motorcycling, dirt bikes, surfing and playing racquet ball. Bill was an excellent cook and enjoyed learning new things. Bill was a good husband and friend.

A funeral service for Bill Knighten will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the Upper Sandusky Church of the Nazarene, and will be officiated by Rev. Steve Anstine. Burial will follow at Old Mission Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the Upper Sandusky Color Guard.

Visitations will be held from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Upper Sandusky Church of the Nazarene, Hospice of Wyandot Memorial, or Wyandot Memorial Hospital and can be sent to Lucas-Batton, 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, OH 43351.

Upper Sandusky Church of the Nazarene

Hospice of Wyandot Memorial

Wyandot Memorial Hospital