John L. Holmes

John L. Holmes of Caro, age 62, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2014 at his home, following a brief illness. John was born November 3, 1951 in Caro, the son of Lucy (Roose) Holmes and the late John Holmes. He served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1972 and was stationed in Germany until his honorable discharge. He continued his service with the National Guard for the following six years. John was united in marriage with Diane McDonald on June 30, 1979 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caro, and she survives him. John's high school education was halted due to work, but he returned to school at night, and received his diploma in 1984 from Caro at the top of his class. John was a hard worker, and held positions with Universal Engineering in Frankenmuth as a machinist, as a logger with the Hauger Company, and in the machine shop with Car Quest in Caro, where he worked with his best friend, Paul Hillaker. John spent the last twenty-eight years as a custodian at Caro Community Schools and also cleaned the Knights of Columbus Hall in Caro and the Colling Nazarene Church for the last several years. He enjoyed bowling with the Brentwood Team, horseshoes, fishing, watching NASCAR and the Detroit Lions, reading, Tetris and deer processing. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Caro Knights of Columbus #3224, and was a former member of the Caro Moose Lodge. John was also a faithful blood donor for the American Red Cross. John is survived by his wife of thirty-five years, Diane Holmes of Caro; five children and their spouses, Christina & Ryan Robinson of Davison, John W. & Desire Holmes of Brussels, Belgium, Kristie & Kevin Moore of Reese, Kevin & Christen McDonald of Reese, Amie & Rob Sholes of Caro; thirteen grandchildren; his mother, Lucy Holmes of Caro; siblings, Dorie & Rich Low of Vassar, James & Colleen Holmes of Mayville; sisters-in-law, Sue Holmes and Monnie Holmes, both of Caro; a special niece, Tammy Koop and her husband, Tim, of Caro; and many other nieces and nephews. In addition to his father, John was preceded in death by two brothers, Randy and Richard Holmes. Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at St. Christopher Parish in Caro with Rev. Dennis Kucharczyk officiating. Burial will follow at Demorest Cemetery in Akron. The family will receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Holmes Family Discretionary Fund, c/o Diane Holmes, 205 W. Sherman St., Caro, MI 48723. Visitation Information Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2014 Time: 1:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Thursday, August 21, 2014 Time: 11:00 am St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Campus Address: 140 Atwood Street Caro, MI 48723 989-673-2346 | Map Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at St. Christopher Parish in Caro with Rev. Dennis Kucharczyk officiating. Cemetery Information Date: Thursday, August 21, 2014 Burial will follow at Demorest Cemetery in Akron.