Erwin Leslie Knowlton

Erwin Leslie Knowlton, 93 Lakeland, FL – Erwin Leslie Knowlton, 93, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2015, due to natural causes. His family was at his side when he went to be with the Lord. Erwin was born on June 28, 1921, in Silver Creek, NY, and graduated from Forestville High School, Forestville, NY in 1940. During World War II, he proudly served as a sergeant in the United States Army. He graduated from Houghton College in 1948, and later earned a Masters Degree from The State University of New York at Fredonia. Erwin spent most of his working years teaching social studies and American history at John C. Birdlebough High School in Phoenix, NY. During his teaching career, he directed school plays and musicals, and was faculty advisor to the History Club, the National Honor Society, and various classes. He also served as President of the PTA and was Chairman of the American Field Service Chapter student exchange program. Erwin was a Sunday School teacher for many years and served as a Deacon at Phoenix First Baptist Church. He later became a member of the Fulton Alliance Church. He was a board member and Treasurer of the Greater Syracuse Youth For Christ organization. He was also a member of Gideons International. Upon his retirement in 1985, Erwin and his wife, Arlene, spent winters in Lakeland and eventually made Lakeland their primary home. During his years in Lakeland, he attended Lake Morton Community Church and later became a member of Heritage Baptist Church. Erwin was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Arlene Morgan Knowlton. He is survived by his 3 children, Kevin C. Knowlton (Lois) of Lakeland, Marjorie Knowlton Palm (Eugene) of Lakeland, and Kenneth W. Knowlton (Judith) of Phoenix, NY; his 9 grandchildren, Andrew C. Knowlton (Mary Martha) of Birmingham, AL, Keith D. Knowlton (Rachel) of Greenville, SC, Lauren Knowlton Patterson (Nathaniel) of Lakeland, Jennifer N. Palm of Columbia, SC, Ryan M. Palm of Baltimore, MD, Jessica L. Palm of Lakeland, Meagan E. Palm of Lakeland, Kristopher A. Knowlton of Phoenix, NY, and Daniel M. Knowlton of Phoenix, NY; his 9 great-grandchildren, Lucas B. Patterson, Clair McClain Knowlton, Riley K. Patterson, Embry A. Patterson, Mary Austin Knowlton, Mary Katherine Knowlton, Annisten C. Patterson, Hadley G. Palm-Moore, and Henry B. Knowlton; his sisters-in-law Nellie Mae Chamberlain of Davenport, FL; Madalyn Morgan of Phoenix, NY, and Ona Morgan of Phoenix, NY; and many nephews and nieces. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, February 21st at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Lakeland, FL. The family will receive friends for food and fellowship immediately following the funeral services in the fellowship hall of the church. Interment will be private at Oak Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Erwin Knowlton may be made to Lakeland Christian School or Houghton College.

Erwin Leslie Knowlton

June 28, 1921 - February 14, 2015