William Knowles

(From Parker Mortuary)

William Leonard Knowles, age 65, Joplin, passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at a local hospital.

William was born December 12, 1959 in Joplin, son of the late William Jasper Knowles and Violet Bernice (Hayes) Knowles. He graduated from Memorial High School in 1979. He worked as a pharmacy tech at St. John’s for years before beginning his career as a truck driver. He worked for several companies in Missouri and Oklahoma. He was a member of Lone Elm Pentecostal Church of Joplin. 

He was known as an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved to make people laugh, and will be missed by many.

In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by two sisters, Darlene Knowles and Marla Altland.

Survivors include his son, Zach Knowles and wife Krystal of Carterville, MO; granddaughter, Makayla Knowles; sister, Virginia Kimmel and husband Dale of Joplin; nieces and nephews, Shana Kimmel, Ashley Kimmel, Terri Poindexter, Ben Altland, and Wesley Altland; several great-nieces and nephews.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary with memorial services to be held at a later date.