Kenneth Holmes

Kenneth E. Holmes, 87, of Mansfield, passed away Wednesday morning, October 29, 2014 at OhioHealth MedCentral Mansfield Hospital. He was born August 6, 1927, in Mansfield, Ohio to the late Gladys (Boyer) and Raymond Holmes.

He was a 1945 graduate of Mansfield Senior High and served one year in the U.S. Air Force. He married Dorothy Kutschall on July 5, 1947 and that began a lifetime of love and devotion. Ken's family was most important to him and his work ethic and sense of humor lives on in those he loved. He was a member of Diamond Hills Baptist Church.

Ken was a hard working man, retiring from Smith Dairy as a Sales Representative in 1989 after 22 years of service. Never one to sit still, he worked for six years at Schmidt Security after his official retirement. His good nature and friendliness brought him many treasured friends throughout the years. Ken was passionate about cars and his yard - he didn't mow his yard, he manicured it.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 1/2 years, Dorothy Holmes; four children, Edwin (Dianne) Holmes, Marcia (Stan) Vail, Anita Cruse and Brian (Christina) Holmes, all of Mansfield; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Rev. Charles Holmes of Florida; a sister, Marguerite "Peggy" Stull of Mansfield; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to attend a graveside service at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 3, 2014 in the Veteran Section of Mansfield Cemetery. Scott Frederici, a friend of the family, will conduct the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family.