Charles W. “Buzz” Knoles, 94, of Chillicothe passed 1:30 a.m. Thursday, August 20, 2026, at his home following a brief illness.

He was born March 25, 1932, in Chillicothe, Ohio to the late William D. and Wilma A. Spears Knoles. On September 6, 1953, he married the former Jana Marlene Knoles who passed on March 15, 2016.

Surviving are children, Bill (Melody) Knoles, Beth (Matt) Litter, Brian Knoles and Brent (Kristy) Knoles; grandchildren, Megan, Chase, John, Maxwell, Georgie, and Jordan; great grandchildren, Canaan, Darius, Leah, Adara and Malli; great great grandson, C.J.; a niece, Tina (Anthony Richards) Thompson; and a nephew, Michael Thompson. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Eileen Thompson.

Buzz received the lifetime Junior Achievement Award and founded the local Gus Macker. He received the Kiwanis Statehood Achievement Award. He was past chair of the Salvation Army Board, Grand Marshall of the Halloween Parade, President of Rotary, President of Chamber of Commerce, and Director of the Chillicothe Convention and Visitors Bureau. He recently received the Ross County Education Association Committee and Educational Leadership Award. One of the things he was most proud of was being a Youth Sunday School Teacher for over 60 years at Calvary Lutheran Church.

The family would like to extend a special “thank you” to the staff of Adena Hospice, Ross County Home Health, and caregivers Kim L., Billie, Courtney, Kelly, Kim R., and Tia for their compassion and outstanding care during this journey.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Calvary Lutheran Church with Pastor Tom Pairan officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery where military graveside rites will be conducted by the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard. A Masonic Service will also be held at the graveside. Family and friends may call at the church from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to the funeral service on Wednesday. Arrangements are under the direction of the WARE FUNERAL HOME.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Junior Achievement of Ross County, P.O. Box 359, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601.

You may sign his online register at warefh.com