Leonard Michael Knox joined his Lord in Heaven November 1, 2025 following a brief illness, with his family waiting for him. Michael was born December 25, 1954 to Leonard and Molly Knox of Maxwell, NM. He was the Lord’s gift from the very beginning. He and his Mom shared a special bond throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his Grandpa and Grandma, Frank and Alma Hardway, his parents, Leonard and Molly Knox, and his sister Susan Elkin. He is survived by his wife, Christy Knox, stepchildren Danny, Audra, Melonie and Stephanie, numerous grandchildren, his sisters, Teri Lynn and Patti Ann Knox, of Maxwell, NM, his niece Sarah Elkin and partner Ben Pierce of San Diego, CA and cousins Cindy Maldanado and Kimberly Decker and families of Oklahoma. His dog Lucky also preceded him and he is survived by his dog, Snowbelle, whom he loved.
Michael loved animals. He grew up at the family farm and ranch in Maxwell, NM where he worked hard. He was exceptionally strong and was a great farmer and gardener. He was a master at putting in fence posts, running and being the mechanic for farming equipment, branding cattle, stacking and raising alfalfa as well as many other crops. He often helped his Mom and Grandma can garden vegetables. He loved it. Michael participated in the Vermejo 4-H Club in Maxwell raising lambs. He was also exceptional at leathercraft. He spent many great years at the Colfax County and New Mexico State Fairs. He dabbled in guitar paying and the tuba in high school. Michael was also a great country western dancer, especially swing dancing. He loved all kinds of music from the Byrds, Beach Boys, to Rock and Roll and Country Western.
Michael was very intelligent and after graduating from Maxwell High School, he went on to college at Texas Tech and then Eastern New Mexico University where he graduated. He taught school in Elida, NM after college and loved coaching the girls’ sports teams. After teaching, he came home and got a job at GINCO, then NAPA in Raton and after went on to other mining supply endeavors. He also became a security clearance technician for the US government later in life. He enjoyed traveling and was able to go to Washington DC, New York, Hawaii and other places during this employment.
Michael was loved by all so much and will be dearly missed forever. We will never forget his smile and wit. He was a quiet gentle soul and a compassionate man. He was a great protector and the best son and brother anyone could ask for.
He met the love of his life, Christy, in Ogden Utah. She was the best thing to happen to Michael and he loved her dearly. They had 25 years of joy, love and family memories together.
