Robert L. Knowles

Robert L. Knowles

Born Jan. 29, 1919 in Lansing, MI, Robert L. Knowles passed away peacefully on Sept. 1, 2013.  He was the son of Helen Mae (Green) and A. Walter Knowles.  He was a graduate of Holt High School.  He married Margarete Hodges in 1940 and had one son, Terry R. Knowles.

Bob’s career at General Motors Oldsmobile division was interrupted by the draft.  During WWII, after fracturing his foot, Bob’s drafting and design abilities earned the rank of sergeant in the Army Air Force.  He was a life member of the DAV.  After the war, he continued working for GM as a tool and machine designer until he retired in 1976.  He was a member of UAW Local 652.  In 1982, he married Velma Volker and they led a very active and spiritual life until her death in 2009.  Bob enjoyed traveling, camping, playing cards and spending the winters in Florida.  He was an avid Detroit Tiger fan and loved going to MSU women’s basketball games with his granddaughter, Sheri.  He spent his last year at Delta Retirement Center where he enjoyed all the activities, especially the many musical performances with his special friend, Lore.  His last few days were spent in peace and comfort at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan.

He is survived by his daughter-in-law Sue Knowles, granddaughter, Sheri Knowles, his brother, Richard (Beverly) Knowles, sisters-in-law Sandy (Harold) Strang, Dorothy Estes and Arlene Brant.  He is also survived by his stepson Gary (Elaine) Volker, step-grandchildren Kevin (Michelle) Volker and Kelly (Jose) Villarreal and 5 step-great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wives Margarete and Velma, son Terry and sister Jean (Carl) Longworth.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 4, 2013, at Hope Lutheran Church, 1180 W. Herbison Road, DeWitt.  The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Wednesday.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan or Hope Lutheran Church in memory of Robert Knowles.  Arrangements by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.

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TINA AND JIM SCHWARTZ
September 4, 2013 at 8:33 am

SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT BOB, HE WAS A WONDERFUL NEIGHBOR AND GREAT PERSON, SURE HAD SOME GREAT LAUGHS, REST IN PEACE BOB. TINA AND JIM SCHWARTZ

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