Gaylord Knowles

Knowles, Gaylord Frank
06/28/1956 - 10/26/2025
Rockford (Muskegon)

Gaylord Frank Knowles, age 69, entered into the arms of Jesus, on Sunday, October 26, 2025. Gaylord was born in Hart, Michigan, on June 28, 1956, to Franklin and Lita (Scouten) Knowles. He is survived by two sons, Gabriel (Noelle) Knowles and Nathan (Holly) Knowles; two grandchildren, Shelby and Tucker Knowles; four sisters, Lori (Randy) Smith, Pam Hendrickson, Dawn (Steve) Sukis, and Paula Harjer; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He married Karen Kuzyk on June 28, 1974, in Tucson, Arizona, and they were married for 38 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin Knowles and Lita Sampson; stepfather, Sam Sampson; and brother-in-law, Bill Hendrickson.

Growing up, Gaylord enjoyed youth sports, including Little League baseball, football, and wrestling. He and his sisters would pick blueberries, in the summer months, to earn money for school. It was a lot of hard work, for very little money, but the memories were priceless. Gaylord loved classic rock 'n' roll music. As a teen, he learned to play the harmonica. Often, he would play along with Bob Dylan. The house walls would literally shake, from the volume of the blasting record player, while mom was at work.

Gaylord lived in Walkerville, Michigan, for several years before the family moved to Muskegon. He attended Orchard View Schools, received his GED at 17, and joined the United States Air Force in December of 1973. He trained and served as a Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Specialist and a Metal Processing Specialist. He received the following medals and awards while serving; Good Conduct Medal, Longevity Service Award, National Defense Service Medal, and the Outstanding Unit Award. While stationed in Tucson, Arizona, he attended on-base schooling and received his high school diploma from Amphitheater High School. Gaylord obtained the rank of Sargent before being honorably discharged in December of 1979. After returning to Muskegon, he was employed at Howmet Corporation as a metallography lab technician. While employed at Howmet, he also attended Muskegon Community College and received his Associate in Applied Science degree.

Gaylord was kind, generous, clever, insightful, and loved to hear how others were doing in their daily lives. When his boys were young, he spent time with them playing baseball, basketball, hockey, tennis, and taking them to the beach. In his later years, he enjoyed phone calls and visits from his family, "Buddy" Dawn W, and cherished friend Russ A.

The family would like to thank Shoreline Guardian Services, New Haven AFC, and Careline Health Group for providing support, comfort, medical care, and a safe place for Gaylord to call home. The staff of these agencies provided care and surrounded Gaylord with love and laughter.

Now that Gaylord's earthly journey is complete, may his memory live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. The family plans to place a permanent plaque at the Veterans Memorial Park, next Spring. This will be in honor of Gaylord's military service and the good memories of playing ice hockey with his boys at the park.

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through the generations. - Psalm 100:5

No services are planned, at this time. If you wish to donate, in Gaylord's memory, please consider:

Wilwin Lodge
3383 E. Hawley Road, Custer, MI 49405
Make checks payable to Wilwin Lodge
https://www.wilwinlodge.com/
Wilwin Lodge provides a facility to care for our disabled and handicapped Veterans and offers rest, relaxation, recuperation, and recreation as a part of rehabilitation.

or

The Tapestry 
6774 Murray Road, Whitehall, MI 49461
Make checks payable to Tapestrywl
The Tapestry is a new 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, uplifting, and empowering youth in the Whitehall community.