Obituary of Asa W Knowles

Asa Worsnop Knowles, age 94, of Indianapolis, IN passed away on May 8, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 69 years Margaret M. Knowles, his daughter Dianne (Dan) Hutchison and sons Douglas (Mary Kay) Knowles and William (Anita) Knowles. Asa also leaves grandchildren Chelsea Hutchison, Sarah (Edward) Schmitt, Thomas (Elise) Knowles, Austin (Ryan Wiggins) Allen, and Zachary (Kristen) Allen, as well as great grandchildren Nora, Anna and Millie Schmitt and Max Allen. Also surviving are sister-in-law Carolyn Hall, nephews Michael (Michelle) Hall and Christopher (Lauren) Hall, and niece Margaret Browning. Asa was preceded in death by his son Danial A. Knowles who died at birth.

Asa was born in Brunswick, Maine in 1930 to Asa S. and Edna I. Knowles. He attended Cornell University and the University of Western Ontario, Canada, earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a master’s degree in business administration. He was a member of the Cornell fencing team and the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. Asa moved to Indianapolis in 1965. He enjoyed vacationing with his family, making regular trips to Michigan and his beloved Maine.

Asa enjoyed a career in the transportation industry, serving in various sales and management positions with McLean Trucking Company and Builder’s Transport. His hobbies included photography, model trains, bicycling, and repairing and building things around his home. He built several “whirly-gigs” during his retirement that his family cherishes.   

Asa inspired his family to treat others with respect and fairness. He was a good conversationalist with a great sense of humor, and was a loving and supportive husband, father and grandfather who will be greatly missed. 

Services will be private. Donations to the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum can be made in Asa’s honor in lieu of flowers.