LACONIA, N.H. – Elmer Richard Knowles, 84, of Laconia, N.H., formerly of Wilton, died July 31, at Lakes Region General Hospital, Laconia, N.H.

He was born March 17, 1922, in Wilton, the son of Earlon F. and Roseanna (Beisaw) Knowles.

He was a graduate of Wilton Academy and was a student athlete, excelling at baseball, basketball and tennis. On May 23, 1945, he married Johnnie Maxine Majors of Mobile, Ala. She predeceased him on March 24, 2004.

Elmer was a U.S. Navy veteran. For many years he was a teacher, and later a principal, in Maine, New Hampshire and Delaware. His hobbies included fishing, crabbing and following his favorite sports teams, particularly the Boston Red Sox. He was a member of the Wilton Masonic Lodge 156.

Survivors include his two sons, Richard Knowles and his wife, Ann, of Campton, N.H. and Robert Knowles and his wife, Susan, of Texas; grandchildren, Terry Diefenbach and Julie Knowles; and foster granddaughter, Nicole Peaslee.