Ernest R. "Knobby" Knowlton

Ernest R. "Knobby" Knowlton, 91, a resident of Enfield since 1963, entered into eternal peace on Monday, Aug. 8, 2011, at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington. He was the beloved widower of the late Ella (Magoon) Knowlton.

Ernest was born in Russell, Mass., on Sept. 27, 1919, son of the late Fred L. and Lena (Reed) Knowlton. He served his country proudly during World War II in the U.S. Army where he was awarded numerous medals and awards. During his time in the service, he was in the Battle of the Bulge, fought in Northern France, Rhineland, Germany, and Central Europe. Ernest was a supervisor correction officer for the Connecticut Department of Correction for 31 years and prior to that was employed with Zimmerman Tree Service in Winsted. He was charter member of the First Baptist Church of Enfield, past president of American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Local 390, a member of the Moose Lodge of Keene, N.H., a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a member of the American Legion, and the Riverton Grange. Ernest was an avid Boston Red Sox fan, and a fisherman who loved to sing, whistle, dance, tell jokes, and travel. A man of deep faith, he spent many enjoyable hours reading his Bible.

Ernest leaves his loving family: his daughter, Pauline Howard of Winchester, N.H.; his son, Gary LaFountain, and his wife, Elizabeth, of Santa Rosa, Calif.; a daughter, Donna Knowlton of Chicago, Ill.; his nine grandchildren, especially his granddaughter and caregiver, Janine; 17 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, Ernest was predeceased by his daughter, Laurel Knowlton Adams; his brother, Ted Knowlton; and his two sisters, Estella Lower and Beulah Snyder. He was also predeceased by his dear friend, Irma Sprague.

A funeral service in celebration of Ernest's life will be held on Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Enfield, 253 Brainard Road, Enfield.

His family will receive relatives and friends at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Road, Enfield, on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 3 to 6 p.m.

Donations in Ernest's memory may be made to the First Baptist Church of Enfield.

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