Dale L. Knowles

Washburn and Caribou – Dale Lionel Knowles, 76, died on July 18, 2020 due to complications from a long illness at the Maine Veterans Home in Caribou.  He was born on December 10, 1944 in Pittsfield, to Ralph Edward and Althea Gertrude (Harding) Knowles. 

He attended Pittsfield Public Schools, Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield, and Higgins Classical Institute in Charleston, graduating with a high school diploma in 1966. He joined the US Navy in 1966 and served in the Vietnam War. During the late 1970’s he served in the Mariel Boatlift, saving the lives of Cubans, both children and adults, who were forced out of Cuba and was awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal. Other awards he received while serving in the US Navy included Good Conduct Medals, the Navy Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, and the Antarctica Service Medal. Dale retired from the US Navy in 1988 while stationed at the Norfolk Naval base in Norfolk, VA, following a 22-year career of service.

He married Beverly Ann Deane on November 24, 1973 in Pittsfield.  They were blessed with 2 children, Sarah Katherine Knowles and Paul Winslow Knowles.  In May of 2011 they were blessed with the birth of their one granddaughter, Chloe Isabella Knowles, who like their own children, brings great joy to their lives.

Dale also served in the Boy Scouts of America as a Scoutmaster of Troop 171 in Presque Isle. He was a dedicated leader and teacher of these young boys, including his son, Paul, as they grew to manhood. Campouts and cooking over campfires were great fun for him. He especially enjoyed participating in Winterama at Loring Air Force Base with the boys of 171. He was especially proud of his son and others who achieved their Eagle Awards. He was also a member of the A.F. and A.M. Meridian Lodge Number 126. He worshipped at the New Life Baptist Church in Presque Isle,  and the Perham Baptist Church in Perham. Dale loved his God, his country, and his family. He was proud to serve in the US Military. He was devoted to God and to his family.

Dale was a toolman as he renovated homes, and enjoyed woodworking. Other hobbies were reading, including the daily newspaper, growing and preserving food, planting flowers, bird watching and playing cribbage. He was a conservsationalist and enjoyed long chats with family and friends.   

He is survived by his wife Beverly, of Presque Isle, one daughter, Sarah, of Presque Isle, one son, Paul and companion Kari Frost, his granddaughter, Chloe, all of Pittsfield, one sister, Olive Norton of FL, and four nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Althea, and by one brother, Paul Clayton Knowles, a half-brother, Kenneth Knowles and his wife Barbara, and one nephew, David Knowles.

A graveside service with military honors and Masonic service will be held on Friday, July 31, 2020 at 10am at the Northern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery in Caribou, with Rev. David Goupille officiating. Those who wish to contribute in memory of Dale may do so through the Boy Scouts of America – Troop 171 – Presque Isle, care of, Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou, ME 04736.