Stewart R. Knowles

Stewart Robert Knowles of Strasburg, Virginia, born March 3, 1925 passed away on April 24, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Stewart spent his childhood in the wide open fields of Iowa. At the age of 17, having lied about his age, he joined the United States Army and became part of the 82nd Airborne Division. World War II was well underway when Stewart began that adventure in North Africa and in a series of advances made his way to Anzio, Italy; the Ardennes of Belgium and then on to Holland where he took part in the largest airborne invasion in history, Operation Market Garden. He was part of the 504th Pathfinder team that parachuted in advance of the invasion to make preparations for the mass assault that followed. He advanced through the Siegfried Line into Germany and was present when U.S. forces met up with the Russian army and liberated Woebbelin concentration camp. Stewart then finished the war as part of the Berlin occupation, serving as a member of "America's Guard of Honor". During his military service he rose to the rank of Buck Sergeant and received his Parachute Wings, Glider Wings, Combat Infantry Badge, Berlin Occupation Medal, two Bronze Stars, and "By Order of Queen Willamina- Netherlands Orange Lanyard", as well as several other awards.

After the war Stewart worked multiple jobs while earning his degree from Florida State University. Afterwards he worked in sales in the poultry supply industry for 46 years. He invented two machines to be used in that industry and received a patent for associated components. He wrote several books, one of which, "When Time Stood Still" (De Tijd Stond Stil), relating to Operation Market Garden and the Holland invasion, was published in Holland as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of that invasion.

He is survived by his wife, of nearly sixty-three years, Louise Hines Knowles; one daughter and four sons and their spouses, Pixie Knowles of Cornelius, North Carolina, Kearn and Nancy Knowles of Fredericksburg, VA, Geoffrey and Kathy Knowles of Wardensville, WV, Matthew and Josie Knowles of Marietta, GA, Terry Knowles of Virginia Beach, VA, 11 grandchildren, Casey Robert Crabill, USAF Italy, Deanna Sherrill of Charlotte NC, Kearn Knowles Jr. of Bumpass, VA, Ryan Knowles of Fredericksburg, VA, Brett Knowles of Albany, NY, Robby Knowles, USAF, Korea, Kevin Knowles of Charles Town, WV, Laura Hough of Stafford, VA, Joshua Knowles of Concord NC, Cara Knowles of Marietta, GA, Mitchell Knowles of Marietta, Georgia and 15 great-grandchildren. Stewart was a devoted husband and father; patriot, writer, inventor and entrepreneur. He will be deeply missed.

A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, May 29th at 10:00 am. at Saint John Bosco, Catholic Church, Main Street, Woodstock, VA. Interment will take place at The National Cemetery at Culpeper, VA at 2:00 pm. The family will then receive guests from 5:00 to 7:00 at their home on 564 Orchard St Strasburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in his honor to the Greenfield Reflections of Strasburg Alzheimers Unit, 304 Bowman Mill Rd. Strasburg, VA 22657

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