John Robert Holmes, oldest son of Harry James and Mildred Leontine (Hood) Holmes was born August 4, 1934, on a farm in Ordway, CO and passed away peacefully at age 90 at his daughter, Tara’s home, near Winston MO where he had been living the past 2 ½ years.
John attended school in Gridley, Kansas through 8th grade. When he turned 13, His Dad bought a 1937 Chevrolet, and he drove his siblings to school. The family moved to Hartford KS when John was a freshman in high school. One month before high school graduation, John enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to Fort Leonard Wood, MO, where he was trained to operate heavy equipment. During his service from 1953 to 1956, he built roads and railroads for defense, terraces, and soccer fields all over Germany. This experience with heavy machinery would prove invaluable throughout his work life.
Shortly after being honorably discharged from the Army, John met Juanita Beth Hacker of Mount Ayr, IA. They were married September 1, 1956, at the Harford Christian Church. They would be blessed with his four daughters, Michell, D’Ambra, Tara and Jona. This union would last 22 years. Several years later John married Nell Bridges in 1981, who passed away in 1999. He married Laura Henderson in 2004 who passed away in 2009.
Although John worked as an insurance agent, ran two farming and cattle operations, and started his own bulldozer business, his chosen career was foreman of three large Construction Companies, Art Goin Construction, Herzog Construction and Clarkson Construction. He would be a foreman for more than 40 years before retiring in 1996 continuing to work part-time until Arthritis prevented it. He was a proud member of Kansas City MO Operating Engineers Union Local 101 from 1956 until his death. He was also a Master Mason of the Blue Springs, MO Masonic Lodge and enjoyed the Fairport MO Saddle Club and Lions Club.
During his retirement years, John embraced adventure and friendship through several RV clubs, enjoying camping, wintering in Texas and spending time with friends and family. His special friend, Linda Menter will miss him deeply.
John is survived by his four daughters, Michell Ricker (Bruce) of Mount Ayr, IA, D’Ambra Hainline (Benson) of Mount Ayr, IA, Tara Lee (Mike) of Winston, MO and Jona Fell (Joe) of Kaukauna WI, along with 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Surviving siblings include Kathryn Stutesman of Lebanon, TN, Mary Fuhs and Carol Lingo of Bartlesville OK and Jack Holmes of Waverly, KS.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Eleanor Stanton and Buck Holmes, one grandson, Ames Fell and wives Nell Bridges and Laura Henderson.
A private family inurnment will take place at a later date. Cremation under the direction of Turner Family Funeral Home of Maysville.
