J. D. Knoth

jdknothMr. J. D. Knoth, age 75 of Benton, KY., passed away April 13, 2015 at Marshall Co. Hospital, Benton, KY. He was a retired surveyor, a farmer, a big game hunter, a conservationist, a historian, a story teller and was a Kentucky Colonel.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Nita Harrell Knoth, one grandson, Dennis Wayne Alexander II, his parents, James and Josephine Knoth and one brother, Joseph Ronald Knoth.

He is survived by his children, LaDonna L. Knoth of Gilbertsville, KY., Rebecca K. Fortner of Kuttawa, KY, Sabrina K. Alexander of Benton, KY., and James L. Knoth of Benton, KY. His grandchildren, Jillian Knoth, Christopher Yohe, Skylynn Fortner, Scottie Fortner, Brittney Moryl House, Bryar James Knoth Fortner, Dollie Jo Alexander, Karlee Lane Alexander, Jacy Larue Knoth, Sarah Jane Knoth, Wyatte Alexander, great-grandchildren, Bennett Combs, MaKenzie Moore, Alyssa Yohe, Sebastian Yohe, Ariel Barton and Jameson Fortner. Brothers, Roger Knoth and Charlie Knoth both of Kuttawa, KY., sisters, Roberta Robertson of Kuttawa, KY., Ramona Jefferies and Brenda Jeffries both of Elizabethtown, KY.

He started with the KY State Highway Department at the age of 18 and he was the youngest person to retire from the state. He opened a surveying office and was a charter member of the Kentucky Association of Professional Surveyors.

He served as president of KAPS for several years. He was the first elected surveyor of Marshall County, KY. He was written up in Survey Magazines for having an all girl survey team that consisted of his daughters and grand daughters. He was on the survey crew that surveyed the KY State Boundaries and assisted in writing the book about the survey.

He was also a cowboy, and traveled the United States and Canada with his trusted horse, Sam, hunting and traveling.

He was of the Baptist Faith. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of the Collier Funeral Home in Benton, KY. Rev. Nathan Joyce officiating. Interment will follow the service in the Bethlehem Cemetery, Benton, KY. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at Collier Funeral Home, 211 West 5th, Benton, KY.