Bernard Wesley Knowles

Bernard proudly served in the United States Army, Blackhawk Division during World War II. Upon returning from military service he resumed his education at Kansas State University completing his degree in Agronomy. It was there he met and married the love of his life Joanne Marie Egan.

They moved from Salina, Kansas to Little Rock, Arkansas. Bernard worked for Olin Mathieson Chemical Corporation. The company transferred him to Houston, Texas in 1970.

As an agronomist and with his love for the land and trees, Bernard saw a great opportunity to manage timberland in East Texas. He established Southern Timbergrowers in 1973 which grew into a successful business. He prepared tracks of timberland for better and stronger forest growth and encouraged individuals to invest in and maintain the timberland. It pleased him to be able to match his client with the perfect piece of property.

Bernard and Joanne were married for 71 years. And nothing gave Bernard greater joy than his family. He took great pleasure in entertaining his wonderful friends, always the “master” host. He loved hearing from his nieces and nephews.

Bernard is survived by 4 daughters Kathy Palazzi (Bob), Mary Van Eaton, Nora Knowles, and Patricia Rebsch (Dan). He was extremely proud of his 6 grandchildren and delighted to have 17 great grandchildren and one on the way. He was preceded in death by his wife Joanne and grandson Matthew Van Eaton.

He leaves as his legacy to all of us; the strength of his spirit, the kindness of his smile and the wisdom of his words.

A visitation for Bernard will be held Friday, July 1, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079. A funeral service will occur Saturday, July 2, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Edith Stein Catholic Church, 3311 North Fry Road, Katy, TX 77449. A committal service will occur Saturday, July 2, 2022 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Knowles family.