Neal Frederick Knighten, Jr. Neal Frederick Knighten, Jr., passed away April 11, 2008, at his home in Kennewick. Neal was born January 18, 1934, in Heppner, Oregon. He was a resident of Kennewick from 1947 until his death. Neal attended Park Junior High and Kennewick High School. He joined the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954. He served aboard the carrier USS Kearsarge during the Korean Conflict. He attended Columbia Basin College during its founding year of 1955/56. While attending CBC, Neal met Jackie Reitan who became his wife of 51 years. They were married on March 31, 1957, in Moses Lake, Washington. Neal worked at various jobs until he joined his father in the Knighten's Septic Tank Service where he worked until joining the union in 1974. Neal was a 34-year member of the Local 598 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. He traveled extensively following construction, including time working on the Alaska pipeline. He enjoyed not only the travel with his work but his work. He was very active for many years in numerous local civic organizations including the Kennewick Jaycees, the American Legion, Post 34 of Pasco, and the Kennewick and Pasco Eagles. He held many positions and offices in each. Following retirement, Neal enjoyed fishing and traveling with his long-time friend, John Bell of Burbank. Neal and Jackie took several vacations by cruise ship as well as a trip to Norway in 1999. Neal was preceded in death by a younger brother, Lewis, and his parents, Neal and Ethel Knighten of Kennewick. He is survived by his wife, Jackie; sons, Mike Knighten Patty of Arch Cape, Oregon and Steve Knighten Doris of Kennewick; five grandchildren, Angela Devin Chavez, Melanie Dickinson, Michael Knighten, Lee Ann Chris Erickson, and Jamie Knighten; seven great grandchildren, Drew, Dakota, Carter, Trey, Olivia, Dane, and Dierks; his sister, LaDelle Borcherding of Kennewick; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Graveside service will be held at Desert Lawn Memorial Park in Kennewick at 10 am on Wednesday, April 16th, with a Memorial service to follow at the First Christian Church at 1921 South Olympia Street in Kennewick at 11 am. Mueller's Chapel of the Falls is in charge of arrangements. The family invites you to sign the online guestbook at http://www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.