It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Korey James Knowles, of Monroe, MI, who left us too soon at the age of 27, on Friday, January 10, 2025.
Korey was born July 19, 1997, in Monroe and was the beloved son of Kevin J. Knowles and Julie K. (Staelgraeve) Stein. Korey graduated from Ida High School in 2016, where his passion for sports and competition shone brightly. He was a great athlete, and his love for baseball led him to be recruited to play at Kellogg Community College. Korey was exceptional at working with his hands and used those skills in the carpentry and machinery fields.
Korey lived life with a passion for the outdoors-whether hunting, fishing, or playing sports, he found joy in nature and cherished every moment spent with those he loved. He was quick to offer a helping hand, and always ready to brighten someone's day with his infectious laughter and big heart.
Korey was a family man and was eagerly anticipating the next chapter of his life. He was excited to marry the love of his life, Taylor Duvall, on June 21, 2025, and to build a life with her. His excitement for the future and his devotion to Taylor and their life together were apparent to all who knew him. He also cherished his role as a loving stepfather to Eliana, whom he deeply adored, and looked forward to growing his family. Korey's companionship extended to his bun-bun hunting beagle, Cooper James, who was always by his side offering him constant loyalty and comfort.
He is survived by his fiancée, Taylor Duvall and step-daughter Eliana Duvall; his parents, Kevin Knowles and Julie (Allen) Stein; grandparents, James (Melissa) Staelgraeve, Joyce Knowles and Cheryl Stein; siblings, Alex Knowles of Hillsdale; Kaylee Stein and Kelsey Stein; aunts and uncles, Randy Knowles, Cheri (Steven) Angus, Mark Knowles, Jonathon (Cathy) Staelgraeve, Holly (Chris Farrow) Stein, Heather Shaw, Elizabeth (John) Asbury, and Katherine (Neil) Fahrer; father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Kathy Duvall and bother-in-law, Justin Duvall.
He is preceded in death by three grandparents, Jan Staelgraeve, Frederick Knowles, and Thomas Stein; two uncles, James Staelgraeve II and Steve Clyde; two aunts, Melissa Knowles, and Sonja Staelgraeve.
Visitation and celebration of Korey's life will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S Telegraph Rd., Monroe, beginning at 12:00 p.m., with a funeral service being held at 4:00 p.m. officiated by Associate Pastor, Chris Pittman, of Elevate Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gabby's Grief Center or The Monroe County Humane Society.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com