William John Holmes, age 95, passed away peacefully in the presence of family on the evening of March 14, 2025.

Born March 25, 1929 in Slatington, PA, he grew up in Lincoln Park, MI where he met his future wife, Barbara, in his teen years.

Bill was the dear and loving husband of Barbara for over 75 years. Father of Gary (Cindy), Brad (Terri), Curt, and Cheryl. Grandfather of Marci, Bill, Kyle, Stephanie, Doug, Jordan, Christian, and Evan. And brother of the late Edward, Richard, and Robert.

Bill graduated from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1955 and, after ten years of successful ministries, he worked for the Michigan Department of Civil Rights until his retirement 29 years later.

Bill was a man driven by his own moral compass and his love of family. A man who loved life and found meaning in the simple pleasures. A productive man with a strong passion for ideas. A man who showed us that integrity need not be an elusive virtue. A man who lived every moment in concert with his values.

Bill was a leader. In his extended family. In his work. In his organizations. In his wide circle of friends and associations. He ministered, consoled, directed, uplifted, eased, entertained, loved, enjoyed, admired, and gave.

Bill had a deep passion for humor and a strong desire to spread that joy to anyone in his presence. Jokes. Jokes. And more jokes.

Bill had a love of music. He directed choirs, selected music, sang in a men’s chorus and in a barbershop quartet. His favorite song was “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face” from his favorite musical, “My Fair Lady.” And, of course, “her face” was that of his sweetheart, Barbara.

Bill had an appetite for travel. Many trips to Indian River, Michigan–where he fished as a boy and where he and Barb honeymooned—created rich memories as did road trips across the country.  Having taken numerous cruises and vacations with Barb and with family, he saw a good part of the world.

Bill did have a concern and it grew in importance in his later years. He did not want to be a burden to his wife or to his children. To this end, and many years ago, he even thought through and wrote down his own funeral service. This was not only to convey his relevant wishes and thoughts, but to say things that would ease our pain.

No, he was never a burden. And to know him was to love him.