SKOWHEGAN – Ilus (Stub) E. Knowles, 84, passed away on Wednesday May 3, 2023, at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta Maine, after courageously fighting heart and other health issues for many years.

Stub was born in Farmington on May 18, 1938, the son of Owen and Hilma Knowles. On August 16, 1956, he married Lucille Duley of Starks, where they raised four children. Stub and Lucille were happily married for 67 years. He attended Farmington Area Schools.

Stub worked various jobs earlier in life such as shoe shop work, woodcutting, and truck driving. He was Road Commissioner for many years in Starks, worked for Maine Department of Transportation as a supervisor for about 10 years building roads, and farmed on the Duley Farm; previously Lucille’s family homestead. He raised Registered Hereford Cattle, then transitioned to a dairy farm for around 10 years before retiring to travel the highways with Lucille. They enjoyed rides to view the Maine scenery. In their later years, they enjoyed holding hands while watching TV, usually heavy equipment operating videos and the deer feeding at Brownville deer food pantry on You Tube. They would take family trips on Sunday when the kids were younger, as well as camping trips to Moosehead. A very popular hobby among family and friends was Stub and Lucille would host many potluck “picking parties” at their home in Skowhegan. Anyone could come and listen, play music and sing. This was enjoyed and appreciated by everyone attending.

Stub was a proud 46-year member of Franklin Masonic Lodge #123 of New Sharon and a member of Messalunskit Eastern Star #170 of New Sharon. Stub was also a member of Valley of Augusta Scottish Rite, and Anah Shriners in Bangor.

He was predeceased by his parents, Owen and Hilma Knowles of Temple.

He is survived by his wife Lucille of 67 years; children, Barbara Price of Skowhegan, Reggie Knowles and his companion Joyce Grover of Fairfield, Sandy Rines and her husband Harley of Readfield, David Knowles and companion Shelly Robertson of Oakland; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and brothers Wayne and Earland Knowles both of Temple.

An informal graveside service will be at the Forest Hills Cemetery in Madison, Maine at 1:00 o’clock on May 22, 2023, followed by a short celebration of life gathering at their home.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at Maine General Hospital in Augusta, as well as the love and support from all our many friends. We would also like to thank our extended Bluegrass and Country Music family which provided hours of music and great memories.

Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service 445 Waterville Rd, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

In lieu of flowers,

donations can be made to:

Franklin Masonic Lodge in New Sharon Maine or: any charity for the prevention of child abuse

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