'Mike' Holmes, 88

HOLMES, Joe “Mike,” 88, died Oct. 18, 2012, in Coeur d’Alene. A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. today, Oct. 24th, at the English Funeral Home in Post Falls.

Mike was born Dec. 23, 1923, in Neodesha, Kansas, to Joe and Ruby Holmes. He was the oldest son with six sisters and one brother. He grew up in Castle Rock, Wash., and after graduating from high school joined the Marines. An injury put him in the hospital in Farragut where he met his future wife, Hazel Edson, who was serving there in the Waves. They were married in July 1945.

Mike had 22 years of military service including the Marines, National Guard and Army and retired as a first sargent. He served in Europe, Korea and the U.S.

After retiring from the Army, Mike moved his family to Hauser Lake where he operated Mike’s Boats. From 1969 to 1985, he worked for the Coeur d’Alene Forest Service Nursery.

Mike is survived by his wife of 67 years, Hazel; two sons and their spouses, Pat Holmes and Kim Farrar and Joe and Debbie Holmes; two daughters and their spouses Melanie and Rich Hougham and Laura and Tony Burzinski; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; his sister Edith Carlson and brother Jim Holmes. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Randy Holmes.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Coeur d’Alene Hospice Organization for their wonderful care and thoughtfulness during Mike’s last days.

Donations in Mike’s name may be sent to the Marines Toys for Tots.

Please sign Mike’s guest registry and view online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.