ELKHART - George Knowles passed away at Riverside Village in Elkhart Wednesday with his family by his side. He was born March 1926 in Litchfield Mi. to Ellsworth C. and Esther J. (Werner) Knowles. He is survived by daughters Deborah Knowles and Sheila Chrispyn of Elkhart and a son James (Janet) Knowles of Osceola and six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren and a brother Ray (Christeena) Knowles of Lake Helen Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Roy Knowles, and three wives Dorothy Cull, who he married in 1947, Shirley Smolinski, who he married in 1964, and Bonnie Sheley, who he married in 1994. George graduated from Ligonier High School in 1944 and like most young men of his generation immediately went into the service. He joined the Navy in 1944 and served in the Pacific Theater. Then in 1948 he joined the Army and served state side. He hired out with New York Central Rail Road in 1950 and retired from Conrail Rail Road in 1988 with thirty years of service. He lived in Osceola IN for thirty two years with a winter home in Winters Ranch, McAllen Texas for many years. He enjoyed woodworking, camping, and traveling visiting all forty eight of the contiguous states. He was a life time member of the Moose Lodge 599 and the VFW Post 360 Elkhart. The family wishes to thank the staff of Riverveiw Adult Day Center which he attended for several years and also Nancy Bowlin as a care giver and a special thank you to the staff at the Riverside Village and the Auguste''s Cottage for the wonderful care of George when we no longer were able. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer''s association. In spirit George left us years ago and now at last he is free. A gathering of friends and family will be August 15 from 9:00 to 11:00 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home located at 10776 Mckinley Highway Osceola IN, 46545. Graveside service will immediately follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, officiating the service will be Rev. Robert Vale.