Peyton Nolan Knight of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away on February 26, 2025, at the young age of 23 years, looking over Lake Michigan. He was born on May 25, 2001, in Mecosta County Medical Center to his parents Katy (Dent) and Kirby Knight.

The middle child of five children, Peyton grew up as a confirmed Catholic playing in the fields of Hersey, Michigan. He attended Reed City Public Schools up until freshman year of high school, then proceeded to receive his diploma at Traverse City West Senior High School in 2019. Later, he enrolled in Northwestern Michigan College's Water Studies Program. While studying at NMC, Peyton loved volunteering as a mentor for a Blair Elementary fifth grader. Peyton spent two years bartending at several restaurants and found passion in mixology. His greatest loves in life were music and football. By the age of twelve, he already learned two instruments while also pursuing tuba. In the last few months of his life, he spent his time teaching himself guitar. He listened to all genres of music, from Johnny Cash to Eminem. In 2017 and 2018, he thoroughly enjoyed coaching his younger brother's youth football team, Westside Wolverines, with his father. Similar to his music taste, Peyton befriended anyone he crossed paths with. His sense of humor and comforting presence attracted people of all different walks of life. He appreciated sunny summer days on the water fishing and swimming, followed by exchanging stories around the campfire with his loved ones. Additionally, he was an avid collector of Pokemon cards, Magic: The Gathering, and cards of every sport.

Peyton is survived by his parents, Katy (Dent) and Kirby Knight, along with his siblings: Gavin Knight (Stephanie O'Hearn), Dillon Knight, Bradley Knight, and Eileen Knight; his nephews: Hudson and Hayden Knight; his grandparents: Gerianne Flanigan-Dent, Gregory Dent, and Shirley Knight; as well as countless beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Peyton was preceded in death by his grandfather Kirby "Papa" Knight Sr.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 pm on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684.

A Funeral Service honoring Peyton will take place at 11 am, with visitation starting at 10 am, on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the funeral home. Deacon Tim Webb will officiate.

A luncheon will follow at St. Patrick Catholic Church Parish Hall, 630 S. West Silver Lake Rd., Traverse City, Michigan 49685.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation to support Youth Football via the Peyton Knight Memorial Youth Football Fund at https://gofund.me/0ee1b1a7

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Peyton's family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.