Donald Leroy Knowles, age 91, of Springfield, MO passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 25, 2026. He was born on June 1, 1935, to Harold and Marie Knowles.

Donald married Anna B. Morlen on October 29, 1955. Together they built a fulfilling life raising three kids, Sheryl, Steven, and Lisa. They shared 53 years of marriage before Anna’s passing on May 9, 2008.

His biggest passion in life was his family. Donald became an expert aircraft mechanic. He was a skilled woodworker and spent many hours creating various masterpieces. Donald enjoyed making memories while camping and fishing at Table Rock Lake with his family and friends. He was also a true patriot and loved the Cowboys.

He proudly served 25 years in the United States Air Force and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. He retired again after working 20 years as a sales manager for Hyspeco in Springfield, MO.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Anna Knowles; his parents, Harold and Marie Knowles; two brothers: Harry Bounds and George Bounds; grandson, Christopher Wilkins; son-in-law, Michael Wilkins; and granddaughter Dana Highlander.

He is survived by his siblings: Kenneth Knowles, Frances Short, Clarence Bounds (Monica), Celecia Meyer (Dwayne), Virginia Cook, Diora Stayton (Larry), and Daniel Bounds (Iris); his children: Sheryl Wilkins, Steven Knowles (Kelli), and Lisa Sharp (Jeff).

“Papa Rowdy” is also survived by his grandchildren: Brad McCurdy, Nicholas Dianchrist, Miranda Hinds (Nick), Melanie Yescas (Ray), Tiffany Childs (Eli), Michaela Gillen (Ross), Brandy Williams, Brittany Knowles (Ryan), William Knowles, Cody Turner (Brooke), Kyle Turner (Becky), Nick and Amy Sharp; great-grandchildren: Gavin (Ashley) Wilkins, Hailey, Carson, Jared, and Kolton Hinds, Phoenyx, Gracelynn and Jackson Combest, Ben, Austin (Megan), Luke Yescas, Hunter Chandler (Brittany), Caden and Emma McGeorge, Brayden and Addilyn Kuechlin, Brianna Knowles, Mckenzie and Alex Buzzard, Briar and Brix Turner, Harper and Hudson Turner, Amelia and Perrie Sharp, Loghan, Jordan, and Zachary Highlander; great-great-grandchildren: Alaric, Alastor and Clara Belle Wilkins, Kimber Yescas, Krue Alexander, Adrian and Julian Chandler, Lane and Gentry Childs, and Riggs Gillen (who is on the way!).

A visitation will take place on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am at Greenlawn Funeral Home, North, with a celebration of life to follow beginning at 11:00 am also at the funeral home. Donald will be laid to rest next to Anna at Brookline Cemetery in Brookline, Missouri with full military honors. Pallbearers will be: Brad McCurdy, Gavin Wilkins, Nick Dianchrist, Cody Turner, Kyle Turner, Luke Yescas, Caden McGeorge, and Nick Combest.