Perry Knowles

Perry Eugene (Gene) Knowles, age 95, passed away on October 27, 2016 at The Villa of Corpus Christi South Assisted Living facility in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Gene was born on December 2, 1920 in San Angelo, Texas to Perry Knowles and Retta Massie Knowles. Before moving to the Corpus Christi area, he was a long-time, active member of the Belmont Baptist Church, and an Odessa resident for over 74 years.

Gene is preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Jeffie Lynn Stephens Knowles, whom he married August 16, 1941 in DeLeon, Texas. They were faithfully united until Jeffie's death on January 15, 2013. Gene served as a positive role model by his devotion and attentiveness to Jeffie during her nine-year stay at Deering's Nursing Home in Odessa, spending the greater part of each day in her company. His mother, Retta Knowles and father, Perry Knowles of San Angelo; his sister, Ernestine Kruse and husband, Richard of Odessa; and sister Frances Wicker and husband, Weldon of Ft. Worth, all preceded Gene in death.

Gene served in the United States Navy during World War II at the Naval Training Center in San Diego, California until his honorable discharge as an Electrician's Mate in May of 1946. Although urged to remain at work in San Diego, he chose to return to Odessa, where he worked many years for Duke Electric Company as shop foreman. Mid-career he chose to go into business with a partner, opening and operating American Electric Company, of which he later became sole proprietor. He earned a solid reputation in the community as honest, reliable, efficient, and knowledgeable in the sales and repair of electric motors, which facilitated the oil industry of the Permian Basin, and the agricultural community of greater West Texas.

Gene is survived by his daughter Carole Gene Knowles Norwood and husband, James of Portland, Texas; and his son, Stephen Gayle Knowles and wife, Harriet Chapman Knowles of Georgetown, Texas. He doted on his grandchildren, Scott Gabriel Knowles and wife, Julia, of Princeton, New Jersey; Jeffrey Austin Knowles and wife, Lisa, of Berkeley, California; Jennifer Ellen Knowles Lerma and husband, Daniel, of Austin, Texas; Stephanie Gene Knowles Eddleton, and husband, Jason, of Austin, Texas; and Melinda Carole Knowles of San Marcos, Texas. He also has two great-grandsons, Gabriel and Mercer Knowles, who live in Princeton, New Jersey. His sister-in-law, Lois Stephens of Burleson, Texas is also a surviving relative.

After the sale of his business and an early retirement, Gene and Jeffie stayed in Odessa and continued his active participation in the Odessa Chuck Wagon Gang and the American Legion. They enjoyed numerous pleasant trips, including a couple of excursions to Hawaii and several Caribbean cruises. Probably the highlight of many summers were trips to South Padre Island, Texas, where he and Jeffie spent restful retreats with members of the family or by themselves on the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Gene particularly liked his multiple trips with the Chuck Wagon Gang to Nashville, Tennessee; Calgary, Alberta, Canada; and Aberdeen, Scotland.

Gene was an avid supporter of the Texas Longhorns, Dallas Cowboys, and the Odessa High School Bronchos. He liked to travel, read and play golf when possible. He was always available as a family rooter of the activities of his children as they progressed through San Jacinto Elementary, Bowie Junior High and Odessa High Schools, whether it was choir, church, dance, school events, sports, or Scouts. His family particularly appreciated his support, as he likewise was ever present even when his kids were not the stars.

Gene was a kind man, devoted to family, and an example of the "Greatest Generation" as a self-made man from modest beginnings and education to developing his own business through hard work while providing for his wife and children, including putting Carole and Steve through college.

There will be a visitation from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM on November 4, 2016 at the Sunset Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 4:00 PM on November 5, 2016 at the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. John McLemore of Belmont Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction Sunset Funeral Home. To sign the guest book, go to their website at www.sunsetodessa.com.

Visitation

Visitation

Sunset Memorial Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Friday, November 4, 2016
7:00-8:00 pm

Service

Funeral Service

Sunset Funeral Home Chapel
6801 East Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Saturday, November 5, 2016
4:00 PM

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762