Gerald L. Holmes

Gerald Leland Holmes, 77 of Centralia passed away Sunday, August 25, 2013 at Centralia Fireside Nursing Home.Gerald was born November 24, 1935 in Centralia, son of Donald Holmes and Wilma (Hans) Holmes. He married Synda “Cindy” (Mitchell) Holmes on December 30, 1959 at the Faith Methodist Church in Centralia and she survives in Centralia.In addition to his wife of 53 years and his mother, he is survived by two sons: Danny Holmes and wife Laurie of Centralia and Brian Holmes and wife Cindy of Centralia; four grandchildren: Ashley Calvert and husband Donnie of Centralia, Danielle Holmes of Centralia, Derrick Holmes and fiancé Tori Graham and Alexis Holmes of Centralia; two great-grandchildren: Jaelynn Pender and Kelan Calvert both of Centralia; a sister Marlene Fox of Centralia.He is preceded in death by his father, a sister Shirley Jenkins, a grandson, Alex Holmes and his father-in-law and mother-in-law: John and Mary Mitchell.Gerald served in the United States Navy. He worked for Donnewald Distributing for 50 plus years. He was a member of the Centralia Elks, VFW Post 2055 and Masonic Lodge 201. Also he enjoyed Golf, playing cards and the horse pulls. He was a long time serving school board member of the North Wamac School. He was baptized at the Faith Methodist Church in Centralia. He also organized the Holmes Classic Golf Tournament and won three gold putters for three holes in one. Most of all he loved waiting on the porch for his children to come around the corner of the house and spending time with his grandchildren, family and friends.Funeral services for Gerald Holmes will be held Thursday, August 29, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Alan Mason and Pastor Don Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Military Rites will be accorded at the grave by the American Legion Post 446 and VFW Post 2055. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army, Centralia Fireside Nursing Home, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis Children’s Hospital in memory of Gerald and Alex or to a Scholarship in memory of Gerald and Alex and will be accepted at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com .

Gerald L. Holmes

November 24, 1935 - August 25, 2013