Walter "Bud" Fredrick Knowles, of Ludington, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in his sleep early Friday morning, May 3, 2019 at the age of 87.

Walter was born in his parent's home in Ludington on March 24, 1932 to Walter and Mable (Chvala) Knowles. He graduated from Ludington High School in 1951.

He grew up in Ludington and as a young boy he had a desire to go to church because he thought he would find people that would love him. He not only found a large family of people to love him, he also found the love of the Lord. He was never ashamed to share of his experiences with his church family and his Savior. He attended the Church of the Nazarene for 20 years. One Sunday at the church, Bud saw a beautiful young lady come into church and a small voice inside him said that she would be his wife. On the other hand, Francis Lavina Banks thought he was an "old coot." Little did she know then, that in 5 months, on December 7, 1957, she would become Mrs. Walter Knowles. They enjoyed 62 ½ years together and had 4 children: Randy, Debra, Kevin and Michelle.

Walter was someone who was constantly doing something. He delivered newspapers, stocked and delivered groceries, worked in two Muskegon factories, was a custodian of two churches and spent 37 years working as a porter and waiter on the Ludington Carferries. After he retired from the carferries, he worked for 5 years at Meijer. When he finally decided to retire, he filled his time with volunteering wherever he could. He spent many years helping at the local Blood Drives, he helped in the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) program for 20 years and helped at the church folding bulletins, preparing monthly mailings, leading the ushers on Sunday mornings, the list could go on and on. It was often joked, that if the church doors were open, Bud was there helping with one thing or another. He loved serving the Lord any way he could find. He had a large servant's heart.

Walter also enjoyed gardening and cooking. He won several blue ribbons at the fair in both of these categories. His casseroles, banana bread, and apple pie were famous as gifts or at social events.

He is survived by: his wife, Lavina; his son, Randall (and Jolene) Knowles of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, his son, Kevin of Ludington, and his daughter, Michelle Drabenstott of Ludington; four grandchildren, Trevor Davis, Alisha Davis, Kelly Knowles, and Emily (and Mark) Vorenkamp; and 6 great-grandchildren, Ra'kayh, Trevor Jr., Harmony Davis, Mae'lynn Presley, Lillian Vorenkamp, and Penelope Davis.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Walter and Mable Knowles; four brothers, Jerry, Robert, Donnie, and Ronnie; one sister, Patricia; his daughter, Debra Rudnick; and nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Walter's life will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2019, at 11:00 AM, at Cornerstone Baptist Church, with Pastor Ryan White presiding. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until time of services at the church.

Beacon Cremation and Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com