Kenneth Osborn Holmes

November 14, 1919 – December 11, 2012

Ken was born & raised in Washington, DC when it was still “a little Southern town.” He trusted Jesus as his Savior at an early age and thereafter was always active in whatever church he was attending – Petworth Methodist, the First Baptist Church of Clarendon, and Cherrydale Baptist being the principal ones.

He met Virginia Lewis in 1942 and they married a year later. She had come to Washington during World War II and they met through mutual friends. Ken found her “sweet southern drawl” irresistible – it was truly love at first sight. He called her “Baby” and she called him “Bugs!”

During the war Ken served as a Communications Specialist in the Navy. His ability to type made him a valuable asset to the war effort, although he spent the entire time at Navy Headquarters on Constitution Avenue – now the site of the Viet Nam Veterans memorial and one of the District’s most lovely parks.

After the war, he worked 42 years for the Washington Gas Light Co., helping to manage the service department. Throughout this time and into retirement, he lived in northern Virginia. Over these years he (& Virginia) worked tirelessly at Clarendon Baptist with a ministry to what we would label today as “twenty-somethings.” He demonstrated the same commitment at Cherrydale which they joined in 1966, serving as a deacon and being part of the effort that brought Pastor King there.

Along with their children, Steve & Lynn, Ken & Virginia were a typical post-war all-American family. At the same time they were very special, the result of the faith and family bonds that characterized their lives. Although they met the same obstacles of life other families encountered, theirs was still a storybook existence.

In later years, Brian & Cheryl married into this special existence and before long there were six grandchildren – Lauren, Jordan, Jessica, Ashley, Tyler & Wade – and then by marriage, Wes, Lacey & Evan. In more recent years, great-grandchildren Maddie, Emerson, Zach, Soren & Olivia arrived. Ken loved them each one – and they loved him.

Ken spent 93 years on this earth. Chapter 14 of the Book of John was a favorite portion of Scripture for him. He was ready to meet his Creator. His personal notes for his memorial service conclude with the words… “See ya all in Glory Land. Love Dad (“Da”and “KO”)”