Guilford – Lawrence E. “Larry” Knowles, age 75, passed away on December 9, 2025, after a fall at his home.

Larry was the son of the late Richard “Papa Dick” Knowles and Gloria “Glo” Knowles. He grew up in Guilford and attended Piscataquis Community High School, graduating in 1969. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, flying as a door gunner on medevac helicopters and learning to pilot them when needed. The “Dustoff” crew Larry was part of was later recognized for their bravery and heroism with the highest civilian honor, a Congressional Gold Medal.

Following his military service, Larry worked for more than 40 years at Pride Manufacturing in Guilford and Burnham until his retirement.

Larry was a patient and humble man who got along with everyone. You would be hard-pressed to find anyone around Guilford with a cross word to say about him. He had a gift for storytelling—especially stories from Vietnam—including the day his medevac helicopter was shot down over the ocean. Tragically, the rest of his crew did not survive, but Larry did, carrying those memories with quiet strength for the rest of his life.

If Larry wasn’t at home, chances are you’d find him at Toby Falls camp, enjoying a left-handed cigarette, tossing horseshoes, or playing a few rounds of cribbage. He also loved camping trips to Second West Branch, where he spent many happy hours fishing.

His memory lives on through his daughter, Jaime Knowles of Connecticut, and his beloved granddaughters, Jalina and Brielle; his brother, Mickey Knowles, and wife Jeanne of Abbot; his nephews, Jody, Adam, and Chris Knowles; and many family members and friends who will miss him dearly. Larry was predeceased by his parents, Papa Dick and Glo; his grandson, Elias; and his niece, Tiffany.

A graveside service with military honors will be held in the spring, at the convenience of the family, at Blanchard Cemetery in Abbot. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Larry’s memory by taking a moment to thank a veteran.