John R Holmes

Born April 7, 1918 in Table Grove to John E. and Grace (Warner) Holmes, he married Margaret I. Stewart on June 26, 1939 in Canton, Missouri.  She survives.

Also surviving are one son, William R. (Ruth) Holmes of Edelstein; one daughter, Margaret Jean Kieser of Chillicothe; nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; and one sister, Rosemary Butler of McPherson, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister.

John worked for FW Woolworth's in Peoria and Chicago for five years.  He later worked as a mechanic for International Harvester Truck Sales and Service from 1944 to 1979. 

He was a member of Bethel Memorial United Church of Christ in Creve Coeur.  He also was a member of the Frank N. Nicol Lodge #1170 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Creve Coeur since 1972, serving in all positions except chaplain and treasurer.  He served as secretary for 16 years, and held the position of Master in 1995.  He was a former member of Farmington Sportsman's Club and Creve Coeur School District 76 Board.  He also had been a Civil Defense volunteer.

John enjoyed golfing, woodworking, and inventing gadgets, and was an all-around handyman.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 9, 2008 at Bethel Memorial United Church of Christ in Creve Coeur.  The Rev. Paul Isom will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, February 8, 2008 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Creve Coeur Chapel, where Masonic rites will be held at 7 p.m. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Memorial United Church of Christ, 201 South Main Street, Creve Coeur, Illinois 61610.