Charles Patrick 'Pat' Knowles of Chester

Charles Patrick Knowles, 67, of Chester, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, April 29 at his home, surrounded by his family.

Pat was born to the late Jack Charles and Annabelle (nee Parrish) Knowles on March 27, 1953 in Belleville, Illinois.

He graduated from Chester High School in 1973. He married Jennelle Klindworth on March 12, 1977. He always fondly called Jennelle "his bride."

After high school Pat worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for 15 years. Following his career with the railroad, Pat embarked on his true passion of taxidermy. He owned and operated Wildlife Artistry in Chester. He was a true artist at his craft.

Throughout it all, his life's work was not complete without his love of coaching and mentoring young athletes. Pat was self-employed so that he had an open window to pour into the lives of all of the athletes that he coached at St. John Lutheran School and Chester High School.

Pat's legacy will live through each and every life that he touched on and off the court.

Survivors include his wife, Jennelle Knowles of Chester; two children, Jennifer (Brad) Coleman of Chester and Jonathan Knowles Jackson, of Missouri; two grandchildren, Drew and Aubrey Coleman; three sisters, Susie Jones of San Diego, California, Pam Dishman of Statesville, North Carolina and Jyl Longtin of Fountain Hills, Arizona; a special aunt, Linda Lindenberg of Statesville; brother-in-law Brett (Karla) Klindworth of Chester; and sisters-in-law Pam Klindworth of St. Louis and Deb Uchtman of Steeleville.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Rueben and Claudia Parrish; and his mother-in-law, Sue Klindworth.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. For those who wish, memorials may be sent to St. John Lutheran Church or School in Chester or to the Chester High School girls basketball program.

To view this obituary and sign the register book visit www.wpfh.net.