Michael Knowles

Michael Leonard Knowles, lifelong Seminole resident, passed away Saturday, January 6, 2018, in Seminole, Oklahoma. He was born June 16, 1941, to Earl and Lucille (Sinclair) Knowles. Mike graduated from Seminole, High School in 1959. After high school, he graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1965.  On August 31, 1962 Mike married Diana (Cox) Knowles. The couple has three sons, Jeff, Bill, and Greg. Mike worked in the oil and gas industry and retired from Kerr- McGee after 29 years. After retirement, he began a 2nd career at Davis Correctional Facility in 1995. He retired from Davis after 10 years. Mike also retired as a volunteer firefighter in 1989 after 20 years. Additionally, he served as a Seminole County reserve deputy sheriff and Seminole reserve police officer. Mike loved animals and was a lifelong cattle rancher. He was also an avid stamp collector. He served as president of the local Jaycees for many years. He also served as vice president of the Oklahoma Easter Division of Jaycees. He helped found the Seminole All-Night Gospel Singing. Mike loved Oklahoma State University, especially OSU athletics. As a member of the Posse Club, he definitely bled orange and black. Mike is survived by his wife of 55 years, Diana, of the home; three sons, Jeff of Seminole, Bill and Christal of Shawnee, and Greg and Leanne of Seminole; seven grandchildren, Jeffrey, Mollie, Caleb, Trent, Olivia, Owen, and Eli. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Lucille; his father- and mother-in-law, Jim and Wilma Cox; and his brother, Jim Knowles. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Church of Christ at Little with Kirby Hinds officiating. Burial will follow at Little Cemetery. Pall bearers will be Dave Anderson, Larry Herdlitchka, James Young, Jeff Knowles, Bill Knowles and Greg Knowles. Honorary pall bearers will be Caleb Knowles, Trent Knowles and Jeffrey Knowles and Tommy Bowling. Services will be under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home. Funeral Information: January 11, 2018, 2:00 PM Church of Christ at Little located at Hwy 99 North, Seminole, OK 74868