Joseph Robert Holmes, 91, of Meadowlakes died Nov. 22, 2015
On Nov. 22, 2015, Joseph Robert “Bob” Holmes of Meadowlakes, Texas, died at the age of 91.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Orville and Hilda M. Holmes, and brothers Jack Leo Holmes and James Orville Holmes Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Winifred Holmes; son, Christopher Holmes of Houston; daughter, Suzanne Mery Salings and husband Brian of Kentucky; grandsons, Jason Mery and wife Kris Marie and Trevor Mery; and several great-grandchildren.
Bob was born in Ashland, Kansas, on July 24, 1924. At the age of 4, the family moved to Southern California, where he grew up. At the age of 18, he went into the U.S. Army and served with the 78th Infantry Division in the European campaign. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, the American Campaign and European/African/Middle East Medal with three campaign stars, the Distinguished Unit Badge, Expert Rifleman Badge and Good Conduct Medal.
While at Kansas State University, Bob was in advanced R.O.T.C., eventually rising to the rank of cadet colonel and battalion commander and was finally commissioned a second lieutenant in the reserves.
While Bob was attending Kansas State University, he had a blind date with a good-looking airline hostess who ended up being his lifetime wife. Bob said this was the best thing that ever happened to him.
Before moving to Meadowlakes, Bob and Win lived in Manhattan, Kansas; Pratt, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; Alice; Dallas; and Houston. They have lived in Texas since 1954.
While in Houston, Bob and Win’s happy times were spent cruising Galveston Bay in their 27-foot sailboat. This hobby kept them busy on weekends for many years.
Bob retired from Solar Turbines in December 1984. He served as a senior sales engineer.
Bob was an active member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, having served on the church council and as a lector and usher. He had been a long-term member of the Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society and the Marble Falls Seniors Activity Center. He was also a member of the Highland Lakes Flyers Club, which was his favorite hobby of radio-controlled model airplanes.
After retiring, Bob and Win traveled extensively with their truck, pulling a large fifth-wheel trailer across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Bob had stated that life had been very good to him, having furnished a loving and caring wife for 68 years and two great kids in Chris and Suzanne.
A memorial service is 3 p.m. Nov. 29 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Marble Falls.
Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or the Marble Falls Senior Activity Center.
Arrangements by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 U.S. 281 North in Marble Falls, (830) 693-4373. Go to clementswilcoxfuneralhome.com to offer condolences.