February 23, 1935 – December 22, 2017
Dr. Robert Tolman Knighton passed away on December 22, 2017 at the age of 82 in Stockton. He was born in Bountiful, Utah to George Robert and Edith Knighton. He grew up with five brothers; George Albert, Maurice Dean, Byron, Roger and Kenneth and two sisters, Edith and Jennie.
He received his undergraduate degree from Utah State University and has Ph. D. from the University of Colorado, Boulder. In 1967, he joined the English department at the University of the Pacific. In 1993, Dr. Knighton received the Faye and Alex G. Spanos Distinguished Teaching Award. He became an Emeritus professor in 2002. He received correspondence and visits from past students throughout his 40-year teaching career and retirement.
During his pastime, he enjoyed watching football, basketball, baseball, playing card games and brain-teasers with his loving and supportive wife of 37 years, Letha Claudette. Robert also enjoyed writing poetry, reading mystery novels, crossword puzzles and gardening.
Robert is also survived by his sons Daniel (Grace), Jonathan (Melissa) and daughter, Crystal Eunique, and will be sorely missed by surviving brothers George Albert, Maurice Dean, Byron and Kenneth and sister Edith Hackin and extended family and many friends.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents George and Edith Knighton, brother Roger, and sister Jennie.
Amnesty International, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Cancer research and disabled veterans were his charitable donations.
INTERMENT
Private interment will be at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi.
02/22/1922 - 12/21/2017
Yoneko Sakakuchi passed away peacefully on December 21, 2017.