Kenneth H. Knowles

Carmel, Indiana

May 9, 2025

Kenneth Harry Knowles, 75, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away on May 9, 2025. Ken was born on November 30, 1949, in Crawfordsville, Indiana, to the late Rosemary and Paul Knowles. He grew up in Covington, Indiana, with his mother and step-father, Robert Hunt, and his siblings, Carolyn Cibrian, Robert Hunt, Raquel Stultz, and Ruthann Willis. He graduated from Covington High School in 1967. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in English from Purdue University, where he met “the neatest girl at Purdue,” Pamela Whinery.

Ken was the featured tenor soloist for the Purdue Glee Club and was once referred to as the “Best Collegiate Entertainer in America.” For over thirty years, Ken dedicated his life to teaching English and Biblical Literature at Carmel High School and spent many late nights using his artistic talents to paint sets for the Performing Arts Department. He was an iconic and inspiring teacher who touched the lives of countless students and colleagues. Ken’s interest in teaching the Bible laid a strong foundation for his faith in God which led him to be a member and featured soloist of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Chancel Choir for over 40 years. His rendition of “Oh, Holy Night” was one of the most cherished solos on Christmas Eve. He has shared his tremendous vocal talent in many operas and musicals, at thousands of weddings and funerals, and brought joy to the world as one of Santa’s best helpers at Christmas time. It was truly a privilege for anyone who got to hear him sing.

In his free time, Ken enjoyed gardening and spending time with his grandchildren. Ken will be remembered for his kindness, thoughtfulness, his jovial laugh, his fun-loving and sometimes raunchy sense of humor, and his unwavering devotion to his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Pamela, their children, Angela (John) Adams of Carmel, Matt (Jill) Knowles of Westfield, and Christine (Ryan) Ermel of Carmel, and his adored grandchildren, Pierce, Erin, Johnny, Dean, Sydney and Heidi. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Knowles, his step-father, Robert Hunt, and his mother, Rosemary Hunt.

Ken was one-of-a-kind, and a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandpa (Bapaw), and friend to all who were lucky enough to cross paths with him. He had a life well-lived and will be terribly missed by so many who loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 2:00 pm at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46260. Visitation will be held two hours prior starting at noon at the Church.