Brazil, Indiana - BRAZIL - On October 7, 2025, following a brief illness, Harold Everett "Buddy" Knox, 93, of Brazil, Indiana, hung up his shovel and put the tractor in the shed for the last time. His work here on earth is done.

Buddy was born on December 4, 1931, in Brazil, Indiana, the son of Walter Stanley and Dorothy (Burkhardt) Knox. After starting his education in one-room schoolhouses, Buddy graduated from Brazil High School with the class of 1949.

Buddy served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Growing up in a farming family, Buddy's enjoyment of farming continued throughout his life. He also worked as a school bus driver, electrician, and deputy sheriff. After retiring from the Clay County Sheriff's Department, he served as county commissioner for 8 years.

Buddy was a member of the St. John's United Church of Christ and the Center Point Masonic Lodge 597. An avid supporter of Clay County 4-H, he and his wife served as mentors to nearly 30 youth in the beef program and, during fair time, could often be found in the cattle barn or the show arena supporting the 4-Hers.

He especially enjoyed spending time with friends and family. He took his role as the family patriarch quite seriously and was always making sure his family was OK. He delighted in being a husband, father, and grandpa - and loved when he was called "pa" or "old man" by the youngest members of the family.

Buddy had a unique ability to antagonize you, yet make you feel welcome all at the same time. He was blessed with a great sense of humor and love for others. Through this he collected quite a few people he treasured dearly and considered family.

In his late 80's he, his brother Wayne, and brother-in-law John embarked on building a cabin at the family's treasured lake property. This endeavor brought them closer, challenged them a little, and created another space he loved. He truly loved sitting around a fire, observing nature from the cabin's front porch, and surveying all of God's creation.

Participating in Indy Honor Flight #39 was one of his proudest moments and he thoroughly enjoyed visiting the sights around our nation's capitol. The entire day was filled with special memories, but the "homecoming" back in Indiana certainly made a lasting impression on him.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents: Stanley and Dorothy Knox; daughter Kathy Knox; and siblings: Lois Knox, Verna Wallace, Don Knox, and Shirley Whittington.

Buddy leaves behind his wife Martha Ellen Knox whom he lovingly referred to as "The Warden" whom he married August 2, 1974; children: Kim Deakins, Kay Knox (Jeff Stevenson), Kelly Knox (Angie), Dianna Knox (Alan Reed), and Michael Knox (Nancy Hatfield); grandchildren: Matthew Deakins (Terra), Zachary Knox, Jacob Knox, Anthony Knox, Bailey West, Addison West, and Brantley Knox; great-granddaughter Mallory Deakins; and siblings: Carol Dillman and Stanley Wayne Knox; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be held at Lawson-Miller Chapel, 1702 E. National Ave., Brazil, IN 47834, on Friday, October 10, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again Saturday, from noon until 2:00 PM. Masonic service will be held on Saturday at 2:00 PM with funeral services following. Pastors Kenny Thomas and Lee Reberger will be officiating. Burial with military honors will be held at St. John's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harold "Buddy" Knox Memorial Fund through the Wabash Valley Community Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or donations may be made online.

www.frenchfuneralhome.com