Irving R. Knowles, 97, formerly of Westbrook, passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at Coastal Manor in Yarmouth. A life-long resident of Westbrook, he was born here, the son of Charles and Alice (Sawyer) Knowles. Irving served in the Army during World War II. He worked at S.D. Warren Paper Company for 39 years before retiring. He also served as a volunteer firefighter in Westbrook. Irving was a member of the Westbrook Warren Congregational Church and a longtime member of the Masons. He was predeceased by a sister Margaret Knowles. He is survived by his wife of 76 years, Ethel (Hawkes) Knowles; a daughter Judy Violette and husband Bruce of Buxton; son Irving Knowles Jr of Windham; grandchildren Mark of Scarborough, Bruce of Gorham, Terri of Westbrook, and Lisa of Falmouth; and 10 great grandchildren. A visiting hour will be held Monday, March 6, from 12 to 1 PM followed by a funeral service at 1 PM at the Westbrook Warren Congregational Church. Interment with military honors will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Westbrook. On line condolences may be expressed at blaisandhayfuneralhome.com