Maj. Garrett Wayne Knowlan, 32, passed away Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, while participating in a water survival training exercise in Pensacola, Fla.

Garrett is survived by his wife, Megan Marie Shipley Knowlan, and their sons, Beckett Jack Knowlan and Levi Asher Knowlan of Shalimar, Fla.; his parents, Bonnie Peterson Knowlan and Jack H. Knowlan Jr. (Buffy); his sister, Erika Anne Russell, her husband, Matthew Cole Russell, and their two daughters, Audrey Grace Russell and Claire Marie Russell; his brother, Spencer Allen Knowlan, Spencer's wife, Lara Reno Knowlan, and their son, Chase Allen Knowlan; his brother, Stuart Ellis Knowlan, Stuart's wife Courtney Crowden Knowlan, and their son, Gunnar Charles Knowlan; his father-in-law, Randy Shipley and mother-in-law, Barbara Shipley of Bellbrook, Ohio; his brother-in-law, Travis Shipley; and his 90-year-old paternal grandparents, Jack H. Knowlan Sr. and Peggy L. Knowlan, whose hearts are broken by his passing.

Garrett is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins who loved him and had a profound impact on his life.

Garrett's maternal grandparents, Allen Peterson and Anna Mae Peterson predeceased Garrett, but were loving grandparents who served as role models for Garrett's life.

He was born in Cape Girardeau Oct. 25, 1979. He graduated from Jackson High School in Jackson in 1998. During high school, Garrett lettered in, and was selected as a captain of the high school soccer team that won the first District Championship for Jackson High School. He also participated in chamber choir and other extracurricular activities.

Garrett attended the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs from July 1998 through May 2002. Garrett graduated with a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering, and received a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

His first assignment was to serve as an Aircraft Support Flight Commander at McChord Air Force Base in the state of Washington. From May 2005 through March 2007, Garrett attended the Graduate School of Engineering and Management, Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Dayton, Ohio. He graduated with honors with a master of science in systems engineering.

Garrett's next assignment was the Global Positioning Systems Wing (AFSPC) at Los Angeles Air Force Base in California. He served as a test manager for the GPS Satellite Systems. During this assignment, Garrett attended Squadron Commander School and graduated in the top 10 percent as a distinguished graduate.

During this stage of his career, Garrett received numerous awards and received top ratings in his Officer Performance Reports. Based on his performance, Garrett was selected to attend the highly competitive USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base in California. After a 48-week course, Garrett graduated from Test Pilot School (TPS) Dec. 11, 2010, with a master of science in flight test engineering. Garrett was a distinguished graduate in the top 10 percent of his class.

After graduating from Test Pilot School, Garrett joined the 413th Flight Test Squadron (AFMC) at Hurlburt Field, Fla., in December 2010. His duty title was Flight Commander, Vertical Lift Acquisitions. Garrett continued to excel in this assignment, and received top ratings in his Officer Performance Reviews.

Garrett was recently selected and serving as the executive officer for Brig. Gen. David A. Harris, Commander of the 96th Test Wing (AFMC) Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

His family wants to thank the United States Air Force for all the opportunities and support they have provided to Garrett and his family.

Garrett was an outstanding young man who worked hard to excel in every aspect of his life. Despite long hours spent serving his country, Garrett always prioritized his faith, family and friends. He selflessly gave his time and energy to anyone who needed his help. He loved his family and was a life force for Meg and his sons. His family loved him beyond measure.

Garrett was a devoted Christian who loved God and Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He was an amazingly talented young man who was respected, admired, and loved by all who took the time to know him.

Garrett's death is an unfathomable loss to his family, his friends, and his country. His death raises many difficult questions that seem impossible to answer. The answers to these difficult questions may lie in two Bible verses that Garrett underlined in his personal Bible.

Philippians 1:19-21 was underlined as follows: "Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

This passage reflects Garrett's view of living in Christ and the possibility of his own death. The boldness and manner in which he lived his life was a testament to the strength of his faith. He lived his life with full courage, and Christ was honored in Garrett's life and his death. It is the family's prayer that despite our tremendous loss, much more will be gained for Christ through his death.

1 Peter 4:12 was also underlined. "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." This seems to have been a message for Meg and his family.

Garrett's family would like to thank all the people who have expressed their condolences and offered their prayers and support. The number of people who have contacted us has been amazing, and is an ongoing example of God's grace. Cherish each moment you have with your family and friends. Despite our loss and suffering, we rejoice that Garrett is with the Lord, and pray that Christ's glory has been revealed to others through Garrett's life and death.

The Knowlan and Shipley families invite you to rejoice in a celebration of Garrett's life and death. The visitation and funeral service will be held at the Cape County Cowboy Church in Oak Ridge (I-55 at mile marker 111). The visitation will be Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.

The funeral will be Saturday at 10 a.m., with burial to follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Knowlan Family Memorial Fund -- A memorial fund has been established to provide assistance to Garrett's wife, Meg, and their two boys, Beckett and Levi. Donations should be made payable to the "Knowlan Family Memorial Fund" and mailed to the Knowlan Family Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 363, Jackson, Mo., 63755.

Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.cracraftmiller.com.