Lorence Knowles

KNOWLES

Lorence Cook Knowles, 90, passed from his earthly life on May 31, 2015. His entrance to eternity was graced with his usually quiet dignity, with blessings for his family and words of gratitude for those around him. Lorence was born the sixth of seven children (Dorothy, Rosabel, Frank, Louise, Richard—all deceased—and Gerald) to Errett and Florence (Cook) Knowles on August 29, 1924 in Ashtabula, Ohio.  With two notable exceptions, he lived his life in northern Ohio (Ashtabula, Cleveland, and Northfield/Sagamore Hills): within a few short weeks of his marriage to Marie Steadman on December 12, 1942, he was overseas in America's World War 11 navy for 33 of the next 34 months. Late in life, he and Marie resided in Columbus, Ohio for seven years. Marie, his wife of 72 years, entered the Forest Hills (Alzheimer's) Center in June of 2011, after years of battling the disease at home with her round-the-clock caretaker husband. Because the twain had so thoroughly become one, her life was his great centering these last four years.  Every day, seven days a week, he would drive the several miles to visit her for a couple of some of the richest hours of their wedded life—a driven, joyous duty he was yet engaging within 48 hours of his death. Lorence is survived by his wife, Marie (91), their sons Lloyd (Debi) and Jeff (Lezlee), grandchildren Kathi Fournier (Michael), Kimberly Anthony (Christopher), Mark Knowles (Danielle), Derek (Victoria), and Cody. Great- grandchildren include Aaron, Andrew and Emma Fournier; Kate, Jack and Matthew Anthony, and Derek and Victoria's soon-to-be-born son.  His younger brother, Gerald Forbes, lives in Connecticut. A memorial service will be held at the Meadow Park Church of God, 2425 Bethel Rd., Columbus, Ohio, 43220, on Friday evening, June 19, at 7:00 p.m., with visitation at the same location between 5:15 and 6:45 p.m.  Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Forest Hills Center, 2841 E. Dublin-Granville, Rd., Columbus, OH 43231.