Donald W. Holmes, 84, of Brimfield, passed away at 5:45 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2015, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born on April 3, 1931 in Galesburg, the son of Charles W. and Elizabeth (Peterson) Holmes. They preceded him in death, along with a son, Dean A. Holmes.
Donald married Beverly Ann Eisele on July 28, 1957 at St. Paul Episcopal Church in Peoria. She survives. He is also survived by his son, Mark W. Holmes of Edwards; daughter, Karen E. Holmes (A.B. Ghazanfari) of Peoria; and grandsons, Idan and Joey Ghazanfari and Matt and Steve Holmes.
He was a U.S. Army Korean War Veteran and earned his Bachelor and Master degrees from Bradley University, where he met his wife. While at Bradley, he was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. He retired in 1986, from District 150, as an Industrial Arts teacher at Manual High School. He was a member of Salem Lutheran Church in Peoria.
Donald tried to adapt to city living, but after running out of space in the backyard for his garden, he moved back to the country, where he belonged. Don and Bev built their home together. He enjoyed farming, gardening, woodworking and hunting mushrooms.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2015, at Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue, in Peoria. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2015, at Salem Lutheran Church, 1700 West War Memorial Drive in Peoria, with Pastor Elise Rothfusz officiating. Following services, a luncheon will be provided at Salem Lutheran Church. Graveside services, interment and Military Honors will be held, following the luncheon, at Brimfield Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Salem Lutheran Church in Peoria.
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