Roger Lynn Knowles

Roger Lynn Knowles, 81, of Direct Texas passed away peacefully at Heritage House Nursing facility in Paris, Texas on March 10, 2026.

Roger was born on June 1st, 1944, to Dan and Evelyn Knowles in Roanoke, Texas. He attended L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas and then went to work for Austin Road Company in Ft. Worth. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Triena Lee Davis, and they were married on September 8, 1963, in Hurst, Texas. Together they built a life of love and commitment to each other and had two sons. Roger's love of the outdoors and ranching drove him to become a cattle rancher and eventually become the manager of a 10k acre ranch in Fannin County where he worked for many years raising his family. He always had a passion to own his own ranch and in 1984 with the support of a loving wife, he did just that. When the cattle market crashed in 1988 however, he had to start over. He began building fences and gates to make ends meet. Through hard work and dedication, he built Northeast Gate Co. from the ground up. Northeast Gate Co. manufactures livestock equipment and distributes nationwide. Roger built not only a business, but a growing legacy that supports his sons, two of his grandsons and their families along with several other employees.

He was a long-standing member of Direct Baptist Church where he was deeply loved. He was baptized at Direct Baptist Church on October 23rd, 1988. He was always quick to bring up the need for our Savior Jesus Christ in any conversation.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Evelyn Knowles, his wife Triena Knowles, his sisters, Sue, Faye, Pat and his brother Alan. He is survived by his sister Carolyn and his brothers Ronnie, Jerry, and Kenneth. His two sons, Russell Knowles and wife Amy, and Randy Knowles and wife Jennifer; five grandchildren, Amanda, Kristen, Matthew, Josh and Dylan; three great-grandchildren, Peyton, Deacon and Truitt.

Funeral services will be held at Direct Baptist Church on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 11:00 am with Rev. Justin Wideman officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the church. There will be no graveside services. In leu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital or the building fund at Direct Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be sent to the Knowles family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com