Obituary EAST PEORIA - Richard F. "Snake" Knowles, 62, of East Peoria, IL, died at 9:19 am Friday, May 10, 2013 at Unity Point Health-Methodist in Peoria, IL. Born on January 13, 1951 in Brainerd, MN to Franklin Albert and Dorothy Mae Angel Knowles, he married Eva May Houston on May 25, 1974 in Pekin, IL. She survives. Also surviving are 3 children, Shannon (Brett) Walton and Samantha (Erick) Summers, both of East Peoria, IL, and Richard "Ricky" Knowles of Pekin, IL, 7 grandchildren, Ryan, Kyle, Emma, Hannah, Madison, Ava, and Brayden, 1 sister, Mary Lou Stephens of Peoria, IL, and his beloved dogs, Sassy and Cassy. He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 sister, Judith "Bunny" Meyers. Rick was a US Navy veteran serving during the Vietnam War, and also served as a Reservist for an additional 3 years. After the Navy, Rick worked at F.W. Means and then started at Caterpillar Tractor Co. in 1974. Last working on April 1, 2013, he was a programmer for the laser operators. He was a member of the U.A.W. Local #974. An avid outdoorsman, Rick loved to hunt and fish. A funeral service will be at 5 pm Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in East Peoria, where military rites will be accorded by the U.S. Navy. Pastor Howard Love will officiate. Visitation will be from 3-5 pm Tuesday at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded after the service. The family wishes to invite friends to join them at a gathering to follow the service at 213 Clover Avenue in East Peoria. Visitation MAY 14. 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory - East Peoria 444 E. Washington Street East Peoria, IL, US, 61611 garydeiters@deitersfuneralhome.com