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Donald A. Knowlton 1940-2020

WOOSTER — On Thursday, July 2, 2020, Donald Arthur Knowlton, 79, of Wooster, formerly of North Royalton, left us to join his Heavenly family.

He was born in Warren, on Dec. 31, 1940, to Arthur E. and Leta Stern Knowlton.

He grew up in Champion, graduating from Champion High School in 1958. He served as senior class president and lettered in three varsity sports. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Bowling Green State University, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He was awarded a master’s degree in political science, graduating with honors, from Kent State University.

While teaching at Howland High School in 1963, he met and married on Dec. 24, 1964, the love of his life and his partner for nearly 56 years, Nancy Lansdowne Knowlton, who survives.

In 1967, he began his life career with the National Labor Relations Board in the regional office in Cleveland. Don became a supervisory examiner, and in 1979, was appointed the assistant regional director, the youngest ARD in the country. He served the NLRB for 35 years, retiring in 2002. He was well-respected and often praised by his colleagues for his work ethic and the support he offered to them.

Don was a true man of God, placing him first in his life. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Wooster, having served as a deacon. In North Royalton, he served as a deacon and elder at Parma South Presbyterian Church. His religious beliefs were the guiding force in his life, and always tried to live by the Golden Rule.

His true treasure was his family.

He leaves his sons, David Charles (Andrea) of Wooster and Scott Arthur (Elise) of Arlington, Va.; daughter, Meridith Anne McCarthy (Jason) of Daphne, Ala.; and his precious granddaughters, Julia Anne and Lydia Knowlton.

His love encompassed his nieces and nephews, Tracy Cope (Tim), Amanda Elampooranar (Kal), Marlena van den Berg (Maarten), Bill Lansdowne (Karen) and Jeanne Henrich (Michael); sister-in-law, Sennie Lansdowne; brother-in-law, Tim Wolfe; step-grandchildren, Shaun, Cohen and Araiyah; his cousins, many of whom thought of him as a brother; and best friends from all walks of life.

Don enjoyed traveling, especially to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. His extensive Knowlton genealogical research began there and turned into lifelong research projects, which led to authoring many manuscripts, including some of his ship building ancestors. Many have used his resources. With his Ohio family research, he was approved for membership by the Ohio Genealogical Society in The First Families of Ohio for having ancestors living in Ohio before 1821.

He loved sports, the Cleveland Indians, the Browns, the Cavs, Ohio State football and the “Fighting Scots” of the College of Wooster. He was a high school baseball coach and coached his sons’ Little League teams. He enjoyed watching all the sports activities of his children and granddaughters.

So many memories never to be replicated, but so thankful to have. He will be missed by so many that loved him.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Patricia Wolfe; and brother-in-law, Bill Lansdowne.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 621 College Ave., Wooster, OH 44691, and The Wilderness Center, 9877 Alabama Ave. SW, Wilmot, OH 44689.

Because of the world situation, there will be no calling hours. A celebration of Don’s life will be held at an appropriate time. The family has planned a private graveside service.

“The Lord has not made a finer man.”

McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster, is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.

(special notice)