Mark D. Holmes

Mark was born November 24, 1953 in Jefferson City, Missouri to Ted and Esther Holmes. Mark graduated Ruskin High School in 1972. He enlisted in the Navy in November of 1972 and shortly after married Barbara Gevens (Holmes) in December. Mark was an Air Controlman (AC) in the Navy, earning the rank of AC2. He attended NATTC in Glynco, GA in 1973 and was then stationed at NAS Chase Field in Beeville, Texas as an Air Traffic Controller.

After honorable discharge from the Navy, Mark joined the FAA as an ATC at an airport in Stanley, Kansas. He entered into the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) union strike of 1981 where 13,000 controllers walked off the job seeking improved conditions. President Ronald Reagan ordered them to return to work within 48 hours or be fired. Mark has always been headstrong and stood his ground, becoming one of 11,000 fired.

In 1982, Mark and Barbara welcomed their first daughter into the world on June 17th. Mark named her Melissa Dawn Holmes to share his initials. Mark stayed home with her after the union strike. In the next year, he began work at Belsaw Machinery and attended evening classes at Longview College, earning his Associate of Applied Science in May of 1985. Mark and Barbara welcomed their second daughter, Kristin Marie Holmes, May 1st 1986. Mark's girls were his pride and joy. Instead of working, he preferred to be playing outside and having fun with them. Mark loved teaching them about life.

Mark continued his education and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Systems Management from Rockhurst College in May of 1989. Shortly after in the early 90's, Mark began a career with the US Postal Service. In the mid 90's Mark purchased his first motorcycle, which led to his love of all things Harley Davidson. Mark loved the feeling of freedom and being on his Harley is where he felt the most free.

In 2002 and 2008, Mark welcomed his grandchildren Jocelynn and Rylie whom he absolutely adored and would do anything for.

In 2010, Mark began to struggle with numerous health battles leading to multiple hospital and VA visits, heart surgery, and a pace maker.

Mark may have had a weak physical heart, but he had so much love for life and freedom. He never met a stranger. Mark was a genius chess player and had a deep appreciation of the classics: cars, music, antiques. He loved music (especially Rock n Roll and classic vinyl) and began collecting instruments: guitars, harmonicas, banjos then taught himself to play. One of his most favorite things to do was ride his Harley to rock concerts and road trips like Sturgis. Mark had an adventure for everything he did in life, his legacy will live on in his children and grandchildren.

"LIVE TO RIDE, RIDE TO LIVE"

Mark was preceded in death by his parents Theodore King Holmes and Esther Mae Holmes. He is survived by his daughters: Melissa Dawn James (Holmes) and Kristin Marie Hensley (Holmes) and 2 grandchildren Jocelynn Marie James and Jacob "Rylie" Green.

Celebration of life ceremony is TBD after cremation.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to KCVA to help other veterans in honor of Mark D. Holmes. Details: Checks payable to: KCVA; Memo line: In honor of Mark D. Holmes; Address: Kansas City VA Medical Center, Attn: Voluntary Service, 4801 E Linwood Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64128.