Wendell E. Holmes

Wendell E. Holmes, 82 of Stevensville, MI, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, July 18, 2013. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday, July 22, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Pastor Tim Pietrogallo officiating. There will be a burial to follow with Military Rites at Lincoln Township Cemetery. Friends and family may visit from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. Sunday July 21, 2013 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Service. Memorials may be made to the Southwest Region Alzheimer’s Association. Those wishing to share a memory of Wendell may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Wendell was born on September 1, 1930 to Forrest & Madalean (Irsch) Holmes in Hazen, Arkansas. He moved to Michigan at the age of 12 and graduated from Highland Park High in 1949. During 1950-1951 Wendell played for the Detroit Lions semi-pro football team. He later went on to join the Army to serve in the Korean War, in which time he was the club steward. Shortly after he returned Wendell married the love of his life, Selma “Sally” Mooahesh, in Detroit, Michigan on April 16, 1954. Wendell was very active in the community. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of Shriners and VFW #1137, a lifetime member of The American Legion #568, was the President of the Southwestern MLBA, owner of North Shore Inn from 1971-1985 and loved his trips to Las Vegas he took travelers many times a year. He is survived by his wife Selma “Sally” (Mooahesh) Holmes, daughter Wendi (Jerry) Greathouse of Stevensville; Son Kem Holmes of Stevensville; Son Jeff Holmes of Meadview, AZ; Daughter Barbara (John Forney) Sager of Stevensville; Son Lane Holmes of Stevensville; Grandchildren Tara (Billy) DeHaven; Sharon (Victor) Brown, Veronica (Jason LaFond) Miller, Kimberly (Nathan Pope) Sager; Joel Holmes; Shawn Holmes; cousins Bob (Dolly) Brown and Maretta Brown. He is preceded in death by his parents Forrest & Madalean Holmes.