Wendell Vernon Holmes

Wendell Vernon Holmes of Tustin passed away Friday, December 26, 2014 at Spectrum Health Blodgett Campus in Grand Rapids. He was 89. He was born on June 24, 1925 in Tustin to Sylvester & Lillian Pearl (Langworthy) Holmes and they preceded him in death. Mr. Holmes was a decorated World War II Veteran serving in the United States Army. After returning from the war he worked at a General Motors plant in Grand Rapids. In 1955 he moved up north to raise his family and farm. He also had been employed at Kysor in Cadillac for 10 years. Wendell built and was the owner/operator of the Diamond Lake Lounge for 7 years. After he sold the lounge he retired and still enjoyed various business ventures. His loved to spend time with his family, tell stories, fishing, hunting, mushrooming, trapping and gardening and participated in the local farm markets. He attended St. Agnes Catholic Church in Marion and was a member of the VFW Post 10770 in Leroy and a former member of the American Legion Post 94 in Cadillac. On July 1, 1947 in Cadillac He married the former Theresa Ann Harman and she survives him along with their children: Vickie (Thomas) Pangborn of Traverse City, Thomas (Gloria) Holmes of Leroy and Joey (Brenda) Holmes of Gaylord; grandchildren: Christine (Daniel C. ) Wherry, Emily (Kenneth) Davies, Heidi Pangborn, Lance (Randi) Holmes; great grandchildren: Bryce and Theo Wherry, Annistyn, Braelynn, and Kenleigh Holmes; a brother, Elden Holmes of Bristol; 2 sisters: Wilda Shaw of Reed City and Shirley Moffitt of Cadillac; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Oliver Wendell Holmes in 2006; 3 brothers: Alvin, Sherman and Doyle Holmes; 3 sisters: Aletha Feeley, Vesta Smith and Doris Draves and an infant sister, Myrna Holmes. A Memorial Mass will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Marion with Fr. Joe Fix as celebrant and full military rites under the auspices of the Cadillac Area Honor Guard. Friends may meet the family at the church on Monday from 6-8 PM with a Scripture service at 7:30 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation or to Make A Wish Foundation. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Wendell Vernon Holmes

June 24, 1925 - December 26, 2014