JOHN KNIGHTEN
FRANCIS-Services for Johnie Richard Knighten, 81, of Francis, are 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. Earl Hood will officiate. Burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Francis. The Chickasaw Honor Guard will conduct military honors at the cemetery.
Mr. Knighten died Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at a local hospital. He was born October 29, 1931 in Red Oak, Oklahoma to Clark and Mary Magdeline Prince Knighten. He attended Red Oak and Allen schools.
He married Geneva Spence on April 13, 1956. She preceded him in death on February 19, 2012. Mr. Knighten was an independent laborer, a member of Abundant Life Tabernacle Church and had served in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1952 until being honorably discharged in 1954.
Survivors include a son, Jared Knighten and his wife Melissa of Ada; two grandchildren, Geoffrey Knighten and Jackie Knighten; a sister, Mary Lou Manuel and her husband C. C. of Ada; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; six brothers, Robert, Thomas, Jess, Clarence, Jerry and William; a sister, Lorene; and 2 half-sisters.
Bearers will be Charles Manuel, Jimmy Knighten, Mike Woods, Geoffrey Knighten, Kasey Odom, Doug Meeks and Jackie Knighten.
Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com.

Criswell Funeral Home, Ada