Leonard Samuel Knox, Jr. passed away suddenly on February 10, 2016 at his home in Maxwell, New Mexico.
He was born June 1, 1933 in Valdosta, Georgia to Leonard Samuel Knox, Sr. and Vera (Barnwell) Knox.
Leonard attended school in Moultrie, Georgia and joined the United States Air Force his senior year in Los Angeles, California. He was assigned to England for most of his time in the Air Force. After returning from overseas, he was stationed in Salina, Kansas with his future wife Molly’s brother, Mike Hardway, and that is how they met. They were married on March 14, 1954 in Maxwell, New Mexico where they would go on to raise four children and make many happy memories in early years.
When Molly’s dad, Frank Hardway, died suddenly they purchased the farm and ranch in Maxwell from Molly’s mother, Alma, and her Uncle Grover Rinker. In addition Leonard got a job at the New Mexico Boys School where he worked until retirement in 1986. Leonard also served on the Maxwell School Board and the Vermejo Conservancy District, as well as the Maxwell Water Users Cooperative Association for many years. Leonard was instrumental in the completion of the Water Users project.
Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Evelyn Weston and her husband, Johnny, as well as his brother-in-law Calvin Hood of Georgia.
Leonard is survived by his wife Molly (Hardway) Knox of Maxwell; son Michael Knox and wife Christy of Haltom City, Texas, and numerous grandsons and granddaughters; daughters Susan Elkin of Santa Fe, New Mexico; Teri Knox and Patti Knox, both of Maxwell, New Mexico; and granddaughter Sarah Elkin of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Also surviving are his sister Mary Hood of Moultrie Georgia; his brothers Wayne Knox and wife Inge of Toccoa Georgia; Curtis Knox and his wife Jimmie of Houston Texas; and David Knox and his wife Debbie of Alexander City Alabama, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Leonard will be missed by all who knew him.
Memorial serves are pending, for some point in the future, and at the Methodist Church of Maxwell, New Mexico and in Moultrie Georgia, where Leonard will be laid to rest.
Arrangements for Leonard Samuel Knox Jr. are under the direction of the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home of Raton.
