Kenneth J. Holmes

Kenneth J. Holmes, 86, of Clarion, passed away Monday, March 9th, at his home.  

The funeral will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 12, 2009 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Clarion with Rev. Nils Hernandez officiating.  Burial will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Clarion.  

Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 11th at Ewing Funeral Home, 602 North Main Street and continue one hour prior to services at the church. Rosary will be said at 7:00 p.m. 

Kenneth J. Holmes, 86, of Clarion, passed away Monday, March 9, 2009 at his home.  

Kenneth Holmes was born December 5, 1922, in rural Clarion, Iowa, to Guy and Katie (Russell) Holmes.  He attended country school through 8th grade and graduated from Eagle Grove High School.  He married Patricia Carr on March 21, 1945.  Kenneth was a member of the Navy SeeBees during World War II and served in the South Pacific.  Following his discharge he returned to the Clarion area and farmed in the Goldfield area for sixty years.

Kenneth was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church.  He was a member of the Board of Directors on the former Goldfield Cooperative Elevator for twenty years, was a member of the American Legion Post 370, and was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 1579 in Eagle Grove.  He measured farms for several years at the Wright County ASCS office.  Kenneth was a 4-H leader for the Liberty Pathfinders 4-H Club for 10 years.  

Kenny enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and square dancing.  He and Pat were proud that all four sons attended and graduated from college.  

Kenneth is survived by his wife Patricia; four sons: Ron and Roberta, John and Pat, Russell and Patty, Jerry and Doris; and ten grandchildren: Matt, Suzanne, Christina, Shawn, Erin, Jane, Nathaniel, Jonathan, Katie, and Kelli; and two great grandchildren: Sawyer and John Daniel.  He is survived by three sisters: Winnie Cundall, Mary Lee Sutherland, and Lynette Swinton; and three brothers: Max, Donald, and Dean.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Elizabeth; and one grandson, Marc.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Wright County 4-H.