Gary Lester Knowles

FARMINGTON- Gary Lester Knowles of Farmington passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at his residence at the age of 82 years, 3 months, and 14 days. He was born March 27, 1931 at Flat River the only son of the late Claude Lester and Fanny Ann (Wilby) Knowles. Gary grew up in Flat River and Bonne Terre and graduated from Bonne Terre High School in 1949. Following graduation he attended Northwestern University in Chicago, earning his Bachelor of Arts in Musical Performance. He proudly served his country in the Air Force Band during the Korean War, traveling for diplomatic and USO performances in the United States and Europe. After leaving the Air Force and finishing college, Gary worked as a Concert, Jazz, and Lounge pianist, playing in places as far away as Edinburgh, Scotland. On January 12, 1978 he married Barbara A. Haring at Kansas City, MO. The couple made their home in Overland Park, KS, St. Louis, and finally in Farmington in 1996. Gary was employed by the Missouri Department of Mental Health working in St. Louis and Farmington providing music for the activities and recreation department and was a member of the Farmington First Baptist Church. In his spare time he enjoyed playing golf and traveling, but his main passion was music both playing and listening. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him including his wife Barbara A. (Haring) Knowles of Farmington, two step-children, Beverly (& John) Vanderheyden of Catawissa, and Ann Hayes of Farmington, three step-grandchildren, Amanda (&Matt) Schewe of Omaha, NE, McKinzie Chilton of Pensacola, FL, and Aly Vanderheyden of Columbia, MO, two cousins, Darlene Knowles-Daily of Weaverville, CA, and Mary (& Larry) Englegarth of Phoenix, AZ, extended family Keaton & Kathy Jones and Barbara Dolan of Webster Groves, and numerous friends and neighbors. Friends may call at the COZEAN MEMORIAL CHAPEL & CREMATORY on Sunday, December 15, 2013 from 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 16th in the Cozean Chapel at 11a.m. with Dr. William C. Miller officiating. Interment with full Military Honors will be in St. Francois Memorial Park at Bonne Terre. Memorials, if desired may be made to Farmington First Baptist Church. Share your memories view tribute video and leave online condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com. Interment Service

Saint Francois Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel

Sunday, December 16, 2012 12:30 PM 6776 Vo-Tech Road Bonne Terre, MO 63628 Directions Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Sunday, December 15, 2013 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Funeral Service

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Monday, December 16, 2013 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions