Earl Keys Knox

Earl Keys Knox will always be remembered for his joyful, sparkling blue eyes, and his big smile. Faith, prayer, and gratitude were his foundation. He exuded kindness, support, encouragement, generosity, and loyalty. He was an excellent listener and communicator. He shared his love for life through his storytelling.

He was born in Loveland, Colorado to Oscar and Arda Wilson on August 24, 1932. With seven older siblings, Earl joined the ranks in helping his dad on the family raspberry farm. He loved sports, running, and hurdling. In his late teens, he earned his own money to take numerous bus rides to an orthodontist in Denver in order to have his teeth straightened. His childhood developed his character of hard work and being grateful for all he was given, in addition to giving him a love for family and respect for his mother and father.

Earl and Earlene’s first date was on New Year’s Eve in eighth grade. Earl was committed from the start…walking 6 miles in the snow and cold to make that first date a precious memory to commence a tradition of 79 New Years Eves together! They enjoyed being together and cleared the dance floor with their unmatched jitterbug moves. He loved Earlene and cared, provided and supported her with such tenderness. As many would say, they each found their “perfect match!”

During his early career, he was drafted into the army, and was stationed in Maryland where his first daughter, Amy, was born. He was honorably discharged to take a position with Parks and Recreation in Estes Park.

Earl had a career in education including roles of school administration, coaching, teaching, and counseling in various towns: Oakcreek, Stratton, and Ft. Collins. He loved being the principal at Lesher Junior High and being a counselor at RMHS. He impacted countless lives during those years.

Earl and Earlene raised 4 children: Amy, Lori, Julie, and Rusty in Fort Collins. They were involved with each one’s activities including Girl Scouts, Pom-Pom squad, orchestra, every sport conceivable, graduations, weddings, and birthdays. They were so devoted to each one and was the best dad imaginable. On the heels of raising his own children, he became an incredible grandpa to 16 grandchildren! He chased them all over the country following sports, dance recitals, art shows, fashion shows, piano recitals, graduations, birthdays, and joined many family vacations. With unwavering devotion, he continued on, supporting 9 great grandchildren in all the same ways. He was relentless in his desire to make it to every event and be a sideline coach for each one, regardless of how many miles away or what type of storm he weathered! if he just couldn’t get there, they always tried to watch it online on their big screen TV. To add to this entourage, he supported nieces and nephews and loved his extended family as his own.

He retired from Poudre R1 school district in 1987 after serving in education for 30 years. He felt blessed to work with so many talented colleagues. He replaced his career with time with family, traveling the world, driving charter buses, and volunteering at the visitor center in Estes Park.

Earl and Earlene attended and were very involved in the First Methodist Church and the First Christian Church in Ft. Collins. He enjoyed fellowship with others through mission trips and working with the youth. He was the beloved eldest on the Global Volunteers that served in Montana on the Blackfoot reservation.

In Estes, they found a church home at Mountain View Bible Fellowship. They have been very active as volunteers and appreciated the many friends they have met, worshiped with, and served alongside in their community.

His favorite “hobby” was their Estes home which became a revolving door for friends, family, and a few occasional stranded tourists. He has always enjoyed being with people from all parts of the world, respecting all beliefs, races, and cultures. Another favorite hobby was his woodshop where he made many projects for family, friends and the church. He would rather do this and other home projects, anything to stay away from newer technologies and his ornery cell phone. (Yet he loved chatting on the phone as long as it worked.)

Earl had an open mind and shared his love with anyone that needed it. His ears were always open and so was his heart. He was such a good friend and made new friends in every stage of life…high school classmates, bridge groups, golfing, hunting and fishing buddies, traveling companions, army friends,and educators. He shared his strength and faith in God with all. He believed that a person’s character was evident by his or her actions, more than his or her words. He believed that individuals, or small groups with good intentions, have profound impact for love and for change.

He experienced war, and he experienced peace. He found solace and beauty in the mountains and in the wildlife coming in and out of his yard. He found pleasure in eating and being surrounded by friends and family at the table. He had a full and good life, and he will be missed by the lives of those he has touched. He has been, and will always be, deeply loved. His 92 years of life will continue to be shared through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and many beloved friends.

The family wishes for donations to be considered to the Youth Ministries at Mountain View Bible Fellowship church: Please write Youth Ministries in the Memo Line.

Also, we would like to place a memorial (park bench?) to Earl somewhere in Estes Park, but have not established details. If you would like to contribute to this, please make contribution to Julie Lukasiewicz and put “Earl Knox” on the memo line. A donation box will be available at the service.

Service will be held at Mountain View Bible Fellowship Church 1575 South St. Vrain Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517 on Sat. January 18th, 2025 at 11:00 AM with a reception to follow. Allnutt Funeral Service is honored to serve this family during this transition. Please visit allnuttestespark.com to leave messages to the family.