Howard Alan Knowles, 55, Lusby

Friday, Oct. 3, 2008

He was born Oct. 7, 1952, in Park Rapids, Minn., to the late Lawrence and LaMae Knowles.

He was the beloved husband of Veronica Knowles, whom he married on Dec. 26, 2006, in Prince Frederick.

He graduated from Henry High School in Minneapolis, Minn., in 1970.

He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1971 and served his country honorably for 20 years, retiring in 1991. While in the Air Force, he received the Good Conduct Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Outstanding Unit Award with two Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Overseas Long Tour Ribbon and Longevity Service Award Ribbon.

After retirement, he went on to work for the U.S. Postal Service as a mail handler and worked there until he died. He loved the outdoors and sports, especially football. He also loved spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by children, Kelly Kadrlik of Chaska, Minn., and her husband Shane, Ben Knowles of Greensburg, Pa., and his wife Kelly, Rebecca Knowles of Richfield, Minn., Lakisha Lawson of Lusby, Aqueelha James of Upper Marlboro and her husband Jamhel and Willie Alston and Kathleen Fisher of Virginia; siblings, Marjorie Knowles of Anoka, Minn., Bruce Knowles of Fridley, Minn., and his wife Dawn, Marcus Knowles of Minneapolis, Minn., and his wife Nancy, Bonnie Scott of Coon Rapids, Minn., Fred Knowles of South Haven, Minn., Doug Knowles of Minnesota and wife Shari, DaShawn Lawson of Lusby, Sequoia Hamilton of Lusby and Nelana and Emmanuel James of Upper Marlboro; 11 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends today, Friday, Oct. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Rausch Funeral Home in Lusby.

Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m.

Interment will be private.