Eugene F. Holmes

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Eugene F. Holmes, 93, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2014, at Concordia Village.

Eugene was born on April 3, 1920, in Rockford, the son of Bert and Vera Prentice Holmes. He married Lenore Dorn on September 13, 1947, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Rockford; she preceded him in death on March 2, 2005.

Eugene was a 1938 graduate of Stillman Valley High School going back to his class reunions through 60 years. Eugene was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during WWII, stationed mainly in the Philippines with the 98th Signal Battalion. He worked for Illinois Bell Telephone, retiring as a manager in 1982 after 36 years of service. He was a founding member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Rochester, a member of the American Legion Post 0274 in Rochester, a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, and a former member of the Rochester School Board. Eugene was a big sports fan enjoying Rochester sports, Illinois basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved camping with his family and later enjoyed traveling with Lenore in their RV. He enjoyed woodworking and was an all-around handyman.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; one brother, George Holmes; and two nephews.

He is survived by one son, Robert (Debbie) Holmes of Houston, Texas; two daughters, Ellen (Robert) Kuykendall of Walnut Creek, Calif., and Margaret Holmes of Springfield; two sisters-in-law, Doris Dorn of Rockford and Vivian Dorn of Rochelle; two grandchildren, Justin (fiancAC., Moriah Willing) Holmes of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Rachel Holmes of Houston, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2014, at Wilson Park Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2014, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Rochester with Pastor Samuel Janssen officiating. Burial will follow at Rochester Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Wilson Park Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St., Rochester, IL 62563, is in charge of arrangements.

Visit our online obituary at www.wilsonparkfuneralhome.com