Donald Vern Holmes Sr., 79 years of age, of North Platte, NE, passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at Great Plains Health. Donald was born February 28, 1937 in Finney County, Kansas, the fifth of seven children of Johnnie and Verna (Blocker) Holmes. He received his education in Finney County and college in Garden County at Garden County Community College. Following his education, he was inducted into the Army in March of 1960 and served until April 1962, stationed in Ft. Sill, OK.
Don worked various jobs being employed by the U.S. West Comm. from 1967 until his retirement in 1999. On January 18, 1964 he was united in marriage to Nelda G. Vinson in Las Vegas, NV. The couple made their home in AZ, east TX, WY, and NE. Don loved to spend time with his family, a good football game, hunting, and spending time with his boys.
He leaves behind one daughter, Guila Hojem of Cibolo, TX; three sons, Charles Beckman of Coolidge, AZ, Don (Carla) Holmes Jr. of North Platte, NE, and Jon Holmes of Ottawa, KS; eight grandchildren, Monica Morse, Veronica Jones-Metz, Desiray Luke Moon, Jessica Wilson, Austin Holmes, Caden Holmes., McKenzie Holmes, and Aslynd Holmes; eleven great-grandchildren; a brother, Johnie Holmes Jr. of Garden City, KS; two sisters, Erma Holmes-Falconer and her husband, and Jeanie Bennett; a host of nieces and nephews; and many relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nelda Gay Holmes; two brothers; and a sister.
The family is honoring Don’s wishes for cremation and will be scheduling a memorial service for family and friends at a later date.
A memorial has been established in his memory and kindly suggested to the Christian Student Center, c/o Laramie Church of Christ 720 South Regency Drive, Laramie, Wyoming 82070.
Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.