Donald Lee Holmes, 85, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 4:45 P.M. Tuesday September 5, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born July 19, 1938, in Watseka, IL, the son of Elmer “Pete” and Fern (Hollen) Holmes. He married Dorothy “Dottie” Clauss on April 7, 1962, in Hoopeston. She survives.
He is also survived by one daughter, Holli (Jeff) Stipp of Danville, IL; two sons, Tal (Robin) Holmes of Mahomet, IL and Troy (Judy) Holmes of Gifford, IL; 10 grandchildren, Morgan (Travis) Wilson, Makenzie (Josh) Harp, Mitchell Holmes, Chip Holmes, Cydney Holmes, Zachary (Raquel) Lawrence, Landon (Bryce) Lawrence, Jordan Stipp, Kayla (Jordan) Godsey, and Jake Stipp; eight great-grandchildren, Elyse and Kennedy Wilson, Wyatt, Micah, and Sawyer Harp, Raelynn and Braxton Lawrence, and Brinlee Lawrence; a special first cousin, Janet Fratia and his special Monday afternoon men’s group.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Don was a life-long farmer. He began farming in 1956 after graduating from Wellington High School where he excelled as a stand-out basketball player and later had his jersey retired by the school. He received a basketball scholarship to Eastern Illinois University but only attended for two weeks because of his love to return to his family farm. Don then farmed for many years and later worked alongside his son. He served in the United States Army from 1960-1966. He attended the First Church of the Nazarene in Danville and was a member of the Wellington Loins Club. Don was a self-proclaimed weather forecaster, sports enthusiast, and conversationalist regarding anything farm related. He enjoyed drinking coffee with his friends at Henning’s and later 112 Coffee Shoppe. Don’s greatest joy was spending time with his family.
A visitation will be held 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, September 11, 2023, at the funeral home with Rev. Michael Stipp officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston with military rites being accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384.
Memorial donations may be made in memory of Don to Riley Children’s Cancer Research, 500 N. Meridian St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Don’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.
