Bethel Fellowship International

Obituary written by C. Joe, August 30, 2010:

At home. To be away from the body is to be at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8. “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” New International Version (NIV)

Rev. C . Joe McKnight born March 12, 1919 in Astoria, Oregon to Clyde Jethroe and Lavinia McKnight, is now at home. Having passed from this life to that which is everlasting on August 1, 2011.

The family moved to Seattle when he was seven years old. He attended West Woodland grade school, Ballard High and Bethel Temple Bible School. Married his sweet heart, Jean Downs April 18, 1940. They were ordained in Bethel Temple and commissioned to go to the island of Java in what was then known as the Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia. With a number of other missionaries they were able to escape incarceration in the Second World War and returned safely to the States.

At the end of the Second World War they returned (to Indonesia), this time going to Kupang, Timor in East Indonesia where they Evangelized both in Timor and the island of Roti. Also established a Bible School in the island of Roti. Later they were privileged to build a Bible School in Java which continues to this day. It is now completely in the hands of the nationals. It has spawned some 34 Bible Schools in the other islands of Indonesia.

They also pastored Bethel Temple in downtown Seattle for 27 years with a Bible School, daily radio broadcast and a strong outreach to the mission fields of the world.

Their only and greatly loved daughter, Jo Ann, preceded them in death on November 20, 2005. She was a great help in their ministry always working with them in whatever activity they were involved. (His wife) Jean went home to be with the Lord on May the 29, 2010. Prior to her passing at the age of 95, they were able to celebrate their 70th Wedding Anniversary.

Life on this earth has been full and sweet but heavens call promises much more.

— Graveside services to be conducted August 8, 2011 at 10:00 AM at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle. (Graveside service open to the public).

— A memorial service celebrating Rev. McKnight’s life and service will be held at the Bethel Chapel at 23010 66th Ave. W., Mount Lake Terrace, WA on Friday, August 12, 2011 at 1:30 PM (followed by a reception at the church).

— (Another) memorial service (will be held) at (Mirror Lake) Bethel Christian Center in Federal Way, WA on Sunday, August 21, 2011 at 3pm followed by (a) reception at the church.

(Source: http://bartonfuneral.com/2011/08/03/mcknight-2/)