Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home

FRIENDSHIP – Donald F. Knowles, 78, went to be with the Lord, September 27, 2016, at the Knox Center in Rockland.

Born in Oakland, October 4, 1937, he was the 7th of 9 children of James and Olive Powell Knowles. His education began in Oakland schools, where he completed through the first year of high school. Later in life, he earned his GED from Medomak Valley High School with the encouragement of Ivernia Wallace. Donald enjoyed a special friendship over the years with his buddy, Brad Stevens. They grew up on Summer Street and went into the National Guard together. While in the Navy, Donald introduced Eva to Brad, and the couple married shortly after. They’ve had a long lasting friendship through many years.

In the late 1950s, Donald met Bruce Wallace of Friendship at a restaurant in Augusta. Mr. Wallace invited Donald to Friendship to visit. Donald made that trip, returned home, packed and moved to Friendship.
Donald worked at Hourbak Shoe Plant in Brunswick, then Vinal’s Dairy in Thomaston for more than four years. Living over Wallace’s Market he started working in the store with Ivernia and Archie Wallace. Working there for 34 years, Don made lasting friendships. For the last five years of his career, Donald worked at Hannaford’s in Rockland. Donald loved the store and he loved to talk and meet people.

Donald loved the coast and puttering outdoors. Watching the history channel on TV was a favorite of his and he loved Big Band music and the Lawrence Welk Show.

In November 1979, he met Theo W. Konlick in Friendship at her aunt’s, Frieda Stanley’s, 80th Birthday party. A close relationship started. The couple married June of 1980 and enjoyed a loving, caring relationship for 36 years. On October 30, 2005, the Knowles were both baptized by the Rev. Betty Bilodeau at the United Methodist Church of Friendship, where they have since been members.
Many good times were shared by family and friends and neighbors at their home.

It’s time to say thank you to our family, wonderful friends and neighbors for the help in the past four years of Don’s illness, we are truly grateful. Thank you also to Miles Home Hospice ladies.

Other than his parents and siblings, Donald was recently pre-deceased by his very special mother-in-law Charlotte Stanley K. Monroe. He is survived by his beloved wife Theowanda K. Knowles of Friendship, his brother Gerald Knowles of Skowhegan; sister, Violet Goldrup and Arthur of Oakland; a special niece, Diana of Skowhegan; nephews Tim and Andy Knowles, as well as many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. He is also survived by his best friends, Brad and Eva Stevens of Tennessee and Elaine and Heidi Barrows of Oakland.

Please omit flowers. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, October 4th at Village Cemetery (Avenue 9) in Thomaston. Pastor Robert Dorr will officiate. A small reception will follow at the United Methodist Church of Friendship.