Waylen Nelson Knowles went to the green, green grass of home on Thursday, August 20, 2020.
Waylen was born September 20, 1944, son of William Nelson and Wanda Estell Knowles in Durant, Oklahoma.  Graduating from Mead High School, he went on to get a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Industrial Arts and Mathematics at Southeastern State University.  Waylen taught high school math and woodshop for 33 years. Most of his career was spent at Denison High School.
He enjoyed riding motorcycles in the woods and playing golf with his buddies.  A lot of his golf game was spent driving golf balls into the woods by his home so he and his dogs could go find them.  His greatest, God-given gift was playing
guitar.  He was taught by his uncle BIll at age 12,  Singing, song-writing and inspiring others to follow their love of music was pure joy for him.  He had a "guitar club" at Denison High for many years.  Some of his students even went on to play professionally.
His 3 daughters are musical because of him.  They harmonize with each other and will always love to play his songs.  His shop, where everyone tended to gather during get togethers, held all of his woodworking tools.  He built furniture for
his own home as well as for others needing sturdy custom pieces.  He refurbished antiques and would say he sometimes built antiques.  He was "Mr. Fix It."  Whether it was his woodworking , a line or chord in a new song, anything needing done
around the house or a straight-shooting talk over a cold drink, he was there to listen and give you a laugh or a cry.  Whatever it was that you needed.
Waylen married his greatest love and best friend, Susan Wells, on June 15, 1974 in Dallas, Texas.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years; 3 daughters, Kristy Burton and husband, John; Jennifer Knowles and husband, Michael; and Kathryn Wallace and husband, Aaron.  He was blessed with 5 grandchildren - Georgia, Erin, Joe Burton; and
Trapper and Tenley Sue Wallace.  Waylen considered so many people like family.
You know who you are!
Heaven gained another lead guitarist.  Imagine the moment when Waylen entered those pearly gates with family and friends there to greet him.  All of the good old country music and domino tournaments that must have ensued.  He's always
the life of the party and will always be.
The Celebration of Life Service was held Tuesday morning, August 25, 2020 at Grace Lutheran Church, Denison.  Interment followed at Fairview Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Joe Burton, Trapper Wallace, Aaron Wallace, Jerry Hensley, Brian Knowles and Dan Williams.  Arrangements were under the direction of Fisher Funeral Home, Denison. - - - Fisher Funeral Home