Lawrence D. Knolles, 90, of North Platte, died on May 28, 2017 at Centennial Park Retirement Village. He was born December 3, 1926 in North Platte, NE to Frank D. and Edna M. (Staples) Knolles. He attended North Platte High School until 1944 when he went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad as a fireman/oiler. On March 22, 1945 he was inducted into the Army at Fort Lupton, CO. He was transferred from Fort Jackson, SC to Fort Benning GA for paratrooper training. During his service he was stationed in Japan and was honorably discharged from the service on November 16, 1946 at Camp Beale, CA. Upon his discharge from the service Lawrence went back to the UPRR in 1946 and worked there until his retirement in 1986.
On January 8, 1947 he married Alta I. Howard in North Platte at the First Lutheran Church. To this union were 4 children; Charlene M., Caroline K., Kenneth D., and Kim L. He and Alta enjoyed dancing, traveling, and camping with Good Sam's. He was a member of the First Baptist Church. Lawrence enjoyed playing his mandolin, and at one time played with two local bands, O'Fallons Bluff and The James Gang, and many other local musicians. He entertained the staff and fellow residents at Linden Court and then Centennial Park until he could no longer play.
He is survived by children, Caroline Behrens (Glen Sloss) of Iowa, Kenneth (Sue) of North Platte, Kim Wewel of Texas; son-in-law, Dick Warneke; grandchildren, Craig (Rhonda) Warneke, Christian (Tonya) Warneke, Stephanie (Jeremy) Withrow, Carrie (James) Woracek, Brian Knolles (Charlie Jolliffe), Derrick Knolles (Suzi Deardoff), Erica Hatfield (Justin Tobey), and Jodie Wewel; 18 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Alta; daughter, Charlene Warneke; and great-grandson, Hunter Withrow.
Memorials may be made to the North Platte Alzheimer's Support Group or to the Living Christmas Tree at the First Baptist Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 2 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with the Reverend Bob Deardoff officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens with military honors graveside.
Visitation will be noon – 9:00 p.m. Thursday, June 1 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.