Hilburne Earle “Sam” Knowles, 79, retired Navy Senior Chief passed away on December 19, 2008 after a battle with cancer. Proudly serving 20 years in the Navy, Sam also devoted 26 years to working at Sears. A long-time resident of San Diego, Sam spent the last ten years of his life living and golfing at Castle Creek in Escondido.

Sam is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jane, their four children, Ski (Karen), Richard (Julie), Joy Antinora (Mark) and Carol Rhea (Dan); sisters Sue Cottle, Shirley Mozingo, Ossie Mac Combs (Carl) and Jean Perryman (Harry); seven grandchildren, Karey Knowles, April Knowles, Holly Cobb, Nick Cobb, Rick Knowles, Amy Knowles and Jonathan Knowles; and two great-grandchildren, Ashley Henessey and Krystina Henessey.

A military service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, January 3, 2009, at Greenwood Mortuary, 4300 Imperial Ave; followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2 p.m. at Light of the Valley Lutheran Church, 28330 Lilac Rd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory to Elizabeth Hospice (760) 751-2978 or any Hospice nationwide.