Theron Knouse Jr.

Theron (Terry) Ira Knouse Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor and community leader, passed away peacefully at his home in Arizona on Sept. 10, 2025, just shy of his 79th birthday.

Born Sept. 22, 1946, in Berwick, Terry was the beloved son of the late Arlene Mae (Cragle) Knouse and Theron Ira Knouse Sr. He grew up surrounded by the values of hard work, service and compassion — principles he carried throughout his life.

Terry shared 58 wonderful years of marriage with his loving wife, Shirley (Nickett) Knouse, creating a lifetime of memories filled with love, laughter and adventure. Together, they raised two children: Theron Ira Knouse III and wife Genia, of Montpelier, Va., and Kandis (Knouse) Scaramastro and husband Joseph, of Surprise, Ariz. Terry was also the proud and doting grandfather of nine grandchildren: Nathan, Benjamin, and Sophia Knouse; and Victoria, Isabella, Sasha, Tatiana, Vladimir, and Sergei Scaramastro, who brought immeasurable joy and purpose to his life. Surviving are his brother, David George Knouse, residing in Florida, as well as, nephew Christian, wife Brooke, and family and niece Nicole, husband Matt Tone, and family.

Terry was a man of many talents, passions and callings. His lifelong dedication to youth development was especially evident through his deep involvement in Scouting. An Eagle Scout with Palms, he served as a District Executive with the Valley Forge Council and later with the Columbia-Montour Council in Bloomsburg, Pa. He also directed Boy Scout summer camps at both Resica Falls in Monroe County and the Columbia-Montour Scout Camp in Benton, Pa. His mentorship extended into his role as a Merit Badge Counselor, where he encouraged generations of Scouts to grow in character and skill.

Terry's exceptional contributions to Scouting were recognized with numerous honors, including the prestigious Region III Award and the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award — one of the highest accolades in the Boy Scouts of America, given to those whose lifelong achievements reflect the organization's highest values.

Education was a cornerstone of Terry's life. He graduated from Newport High School, earned his bachelor's degree from Bloomsburg University and went on to complete a master's degree. While working toward his Doctorate at NYU, he taught emotionally disturbed children in Kingston, New York, where he was unfortunately injured — an event that would impact the rest of his life. Despite this challenge, Terry remained resilient and committed to serving others, spending most of his adult life in Wapwallopen, Pa., a place he loved dearly.

Professionally, Terry wore many hats. He worked as a stockbroker with Albert McGuire Investments in Berwick and Josenthal Investment Co. in Bloomsburg, where he earned the trust and respect of his clients. He later became a small business owner, opening a cherished coin shop called Tik n Tik in Berwick, where he shared his love of history, collectibles and community.

He was the owner and developer of Council Cup Campground in Wapwallopen, which he operated for over 30 years. There, he created a peaceful haven for families and nature lovers to gather, relax and reconnect with the outdoors.

A true historian at heart, Terry was an avid collector with a deep passion for preserving the past. His collections included 19th-century coins, Boy Scout Order Of The Arrow patches, stamps, model trains, firearms, and an extensive array of American Indian artifacts. He was especially proud of his American Indian Trade Silver collection, which was featured on loan in a 1995 exhibit titled "Treasures of Trade" at the Hudson River Museum of Westchester in Yonkers, N.Y. Terry, in 1979, was instrumental in getting the Harrisburg Museum to excavate a local Indian Burial site they named "The Knouse Site," further acknowledging his contributions to historical preservation.

For four decades, Terry was a fixture at coin shows and baseball card conventions. He was the longtime Treasurer of the National Sports Collectors Convention held yearly, where he built lasting friendships and fostered a deep sense of community among fellow collectors.

Terry was also deeply grounded in his faith. He was a member of Grace Independent Baptist Church in Slocum, Pa., where he found spiritual strength and fellowship

Known for his boundless curiosity, quiet strength, sharp wit and generous spirit, Terry left a deep impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Whether sitting around a campfire, teaching a Scout a new skill, or sharing a story behind a rare coin or artifact, he had a way of making others feel seen, valued and inspired.

Terry's legacy lives on through his family, the countless lives he touched through Scouting, and the many quiet acts of service and mentorship that defined his life. He was a man who not only spoke of kindness, honor and dedication — he lived them each and every day.

A memorial service will be held at the grave site at the Old River Church in Wapwallopen in May 2026. Immediately following will be a Celebration of Life at the Grace Independent Baptist Church in Slocum, Pa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Columbia-Montour Council Boy Scouts of America at 5 Audubon Court, Bloomsburg, PA 17815, his local Boy Scout Council honoring Terry's lifelong commitment to mentoring and service.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."