Elmer Frank Knowles, Ellis county farmer and rancher, was born March 29, 1931 at the family farm southwest of Arnett during a snowstorm. His parents were Jerry S. and Opal (Garrett) Knowles.

Frank attended Star country school southwest of Arnett and went on to attend Arnett Schools graduation with the Class of 1949. Frank was inducted into the United States Navy in 1951. During his four year enlistment he proudly served his country in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1955.

Frank was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Schneider in 1951. Their family was made complete with the birth of their two children, Kenny and Vickie. The family settled in Borger, Texas for a time while Frank attended college and worked as a Civil Engineer in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles.

Frank and Gertrude purchased their first farm in Ellis County, Oklahoma in 1957. In 1964 they moved to the farm southwest of Arnett where they established their family home. They raised wheat, cattle and ran a Grade A dairy for many years.

Frank served on the Ellis County ASCS Committee, several livestock show committees, the American Agriculture Movement, and also served in several offices in the Christ Lutheran Church.

Frank enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his friends and family. He especially enjoyed time spent at Foss Lake with family and friends. He loved the family get-togethers and holidays.

Frank passed from this life on March 29, 2011, at the age of 80 years, at Shattuck, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by parents, Jerry & Opal Knowles; brother, Billy Jack and wife Susan; brother-in-law, Vic Melton; mother and father-in-law, Ted and Emma Schneider; and sister-in-law, Laura Thomas.

He is survived by his wife and best friend Gertrude of Arnett, Oklahoma; children, Kenny Knowles and wife Charlene of Arnett, Oklahoma, Vickie McFeeters and husband Melvin of Lamont, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Brandon and wife Shala Knowles of Arnett, Oklahoma; Rodney and wife Lesley Knowles of Mustang, Oklahoma, Shari Yeager of Edmond, Oklahoma; Michael Yeager of Stillwater, Oklahoma; two great-grandchildren, Garrett and Emma Knowles of Arnett, Oklahoma; sisters, Gayle Melton of Arnett, Oklahoma; Roberta Henderson and husband Ed of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma; Carolyn Griffith and husband Wayne of Wilburton, Oklahoma, numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.