Dale Bruce McKnight, 75, died August 14, 2023, at his home in Ada, Oklahoma. Bruce was born February 19, 1948, in Ada, to William Henry McKnight and Lila Christine Meador McKnight. He grew up in Stratford, Oklahoma, and graduated from Stratford Public Schools in 1966. In 1971, he married Elaine Beasley and they celebrated 52 years together in July. As a young man, Bruce worked with his uncle, Junior, washing the windows of high-rise buildings in downtown Oklahoma City. Later, he became a licensed Journeyman Electrician and worked with his father-inlaw, Neal Beasley at Beasley Electric in Stratford and at Harrison Duncan Electric in Oklahoma City until his retirement in 2010. Sports were a big part of his life. He was a little league baseball coach, high school basketball referee, an avid golfer, and immensely enjoyed snow skiing with his family and friends. The OU Sooners were his favorite and he attended many football and basketball games over the years. Watching high school sports was a beloved pastime, especially when it was his grandson, Ryan, playing tennis or granddaughter, Kate, playing golf.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine; daughters, Cheryl McCortney and husband, Bart, Loren Gaddis and husband, Brad and grandchildren, Ryan McCortney and Kate McCortney. He is also survived by a brother, Gary McKnight and wife, Joyce; sister-in-law, Janelle Jaquess McKnight; mother-in-law, Patsy Beasley; and many nieces and nephews.
Bruce was predeceased by his parents; brother, Wayne McKnight, and father-in-law, Neal Beasley.
No service is planned at this time. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.
