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Ralph Lee McKnight

Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 4:50 PM

By Brittany Gasama

Ralph Lee McKnight, age 83, passed away on November 28, 2025.

Ralph Lee McKnight, age 83, of Verona, Missouri, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family on November 28, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

He was born October 31, 1942, in Elsey, Missouri to Walter and Elsie (Daugherty) McKnight. On October 12, 1962, in Crane, Missouri, Ralph married his beloved wife, Ruth Stockton.

Ralph grew up in Verona, Missouri and graduated from Verona High School in 1960.  He worked for Ducoa LP in Verona, Missouri for 34 years before retiring in 2002. But it was Ralph’s passion for the auctioneering business that truly defined his career. As the owner and operator of McKnight Auction Company for 53 years, he was known for his fairness and the lively atmosphere he created at each event. 

Ralph enjoyed bluegrass music, fishing, and was also a dedicated sports fan, often found cheering at his grandkids' sporting events or enjoying a high school or College of the Ozarks basketball game. He was a member of the Faith Full Gospel Church in Aurora. 
Ralph is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth (Stockton) McKnight; daughter, Donna Stone of Aurora, Missouri; son, Robert McKnight and wife Debbie of Aurora, Missouri; five grandchildren, Derica, Dayla, Dustin, Zach, and Shannon, as well as eight great-grandchildren, Cohen, Cael, Kenlee, Karver, Lane, Olivia, Meredith, and Clara.

Preceding him in death were his father, Walter McKnight; his mother, Elsie (Daugherty) McKnight; his brother, Junior McKnight; his sisters, Nancy Blair and Mary Moore; and his son-in-law, Darin Stone. 
Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Faith Full Gospel Church in Aurora, under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville, Missouri.  Pastor Rex Mooneyham will conduct the services. Burial will be at Clio Cemetery in Jenkins, Missouri.  

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 P.M. Friday, December 5, 2025, at Faith Full Gospel Church in Aurora. 
Memorial contributions may be made to Clio Cemetery in memory of Ralph. 

Visit www.fohnfuneralhome.com for online obituaries, guestbook and private condolences

FOHN FUNERAL HOME
Cassville, Missouri
417-847-2141

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