Robert L. Knowles

Robert L. Knowles, 94, of Carthage, passed away on Monday, August 6, 2018, at Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois.

Robert was born on September 5, 1923, on the family farm in Carthage Township, Illinois, the son of Earl R. and Louie (Coleman) Knowles. On February 2, 1950, he was united in marriage to Flora Irene Reuck in Macomb, Illinois. She preceded him in death on May 27, 1999.

A lifelong farmer and resident of Hancock County, Robert was an active member of the United Presbyterian Church of Fountain Green for over fifty years, where he served on the church board as an elder and the Clerk of Sessions. He was very involved in his community, and was involved in many organizations, a few of them being the Hancock County Farm Bureau, the Carthage VFW, the Carthage American Legion Post #0074 (where he was a charter member), the Hancock County FSA (where he served for eight years, two years as chairman), the Fountain Green Township Board (where he served as supervisor for eight years), and the Carthage Township Cemetery Board. He was also a seed dealer for FS for several years. Robert proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II.

Robert is survived by his son Robert “Bobby” (Kathy) Knowles of Carthage, Illinois; his granddaughter Heather (Richie) Niemann of Quincy, Illinois; his grandson Heath (Leah Pence) Knowles of Fountain Green, Illinois; his great-grandson Henry Niemann of Quincy; and his companion Doris Pope. He is also survived by all of his friends at the Hardees Breakfast Club in Carthage.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother Alleyne Knowles, his brother Charles and two infant siblings: Joan and Paul.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Monday, August 13, 2018, at the United Presbyterian Church of Fountain Green, with burial to follow at Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm on Sunday at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the United Presbyterian Church of Fountain Green, the Fountain Green Fire Department or the Memorial Hospital Foundation.

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