Obituary of Knowles, Vernon Buchanan

Vernon Buchanan “Sonny” Knowles, 83, passed from this life on Friday, October 23rd, 2015 at Medical City Dallas after fighting a valiant battle. Vernon was born in Mullin, Texas in 1932, the son of Leahman Knowles and Maude (Buchanan) Knowles, and lived in Lufkin, Texas and Early, Texas and graduated from Early High School.  He was a proud alumni and remained in close contact with these lifetime friends, and made every effort to always attend his high school reunions, the latest of which was held one month prior to his passing in Brownwood, Texas where he swapped tales and enjoyed visiting with his classmates.   Following high school, he moved with his family to Ft. Worth, Texas, and shortly thereafter, Vernon was inducted and served in the US Army Signal Corps in the Korean Conflict from 1952 to 1954.  Upon returning from Korea he worked with his father in his carpentry business. In 1959 he met and married his beloved wife Dollie, and the next year they moved to Dallas, Texas where they continued to live and enjoy their happy life together. After working for Lambert Landscape Company for a number of years he retired and enjoyed working in his beloved backyard workshop that he crafted in the mid 80’s, and then began to spend time on various projects with the woodworking tools that kept his hands busy and his heart happy.  Vernon’s home and the homes of his extended family and friends will forever ring with the sounds of the many, many clocks that he lovingly constructed in the workshop that he so enjoyed.  He also enjoyed making furniture with great skill and craftsmanship. His joy(s) in life were his grandchildren who he thought the world of, their fondest memories of “PaPa” are the many hours they spent playing with him in the two story, air conditioned, Victorian playhouse that he constructed for them in his backyard. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Dollie (Grisham) Knowles; his son, Daryl Glenn Knowles; his daughter, Deanna Lynn Thompson and Son-in-Law, Dan Thompson; Sister, Leah Vance Smith and Brother-in-Law, Roger Smith; Granddaughter, Megan (Knowles) Boyers and her husband Christian Boyers; Granddaughter, Brittany Lauren Knowles; Grandson, Joshua Daniel Thompson; his latest faithful canine companion “Toby”, who was always at his side, and many other family members and close friends. A Celebration  of Life service will be held at the North Dallas Funeral Home in Farmers Branch, Texas on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at 3:00 pm, with visitation an hour prior to the service.  A later interment will follow at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that you make a contribution to the Dallas SPCA or to a favorite charity of your choice.   Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.