Robert ‘Rob’ L Knowles, 62, a life-long resident of Poplar Bluff passed away Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Rob was born to Herman & Bonnie (Absheer) Knowles on August 26, 1959, in Poplar Bluff. He graduated Poplar Bluff High School in 1978 and attended First Church of God most of his life. 

 On June 2, 1984, Rob married Debbie (Pierce) Knowles. She survives.

In the summer of 1976, at the insistence of his mother who was looking for a job for Rob, even if he was not, Rob went to work for Flowers by Opperman.  There he learned floral design and went on to work at other shops in the area until August of 1988, when Rob and Debbie opened their own shop, Rob’s Flowers & Gifts on North Main. They successfully operated the business until Rob’s semi-retirement in 2009, when his children took over the business. Even with health issues, he still made a point to come by the flower shop to help & boss everyone around as he saw fit, giving him 45 years in the floral industry. 

Rob’s hobbies included, reading, driving his children crazy, being a devoted Papa & visiting Antique Stores, Flea Markets & Goodwill, dragging home “collectibles,” which the family will be selling at next to nothing in the coming months…Be watching for sale notices, so the kids got the last laugh! 

Rob is survived by his wife Debbie Knowles, his children; Andy & Billie Jo Knowles and Cassie (Knowles) Sieben; seven grandchildren, Allie Murphree, Lexi Sieben, Kenzie Sieben, Mirah Knowles, Blake Sieben, Aubree Sieben and Millie Knowles; as well as many cousins & lifelong friends. 

Rob was proceded in death by his parents, grandparents, beloved aunt (who was like his second mother) Betty Absheer, father-in-law Ron Pierce, mother-in-law Norma Roeber and son-in-law Derek Sieben

Visitation will begin at 10:30 am Saturday, Dec 4, 2021, at Willow Ridge Funeral Chapel followed by the funeral service at 12 pm. The Rev. Ben Higgins and Pastor Steve Proctor will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Willow Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to serve the family of Robert ‘Rob’ L. Knowles.