Kenneth E. Holmes

Farmington- Kenneth E. Holmes, 80, of Farmington, passed away at 9:57 AM on Friday, November 5, 2021 at Unity Point Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria. He was born on November 20, 1940 in Peoria, a son of Harry and Julia (Handzo) Holmes. He married Joan “Toni” Rankin on March 5, 1961 at the First Baptist Church in Canton. She survives.

Also surviving is one daughter, Beth Owens of Ohio; two grandsons, Thomas Owens (Stephanie), Peter Owens (Jen), and their three children, Henry, Elsie and Anna; and one brother, Richard “Dick” Holmes (Marilyn) of Lake Forest. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Alan Eugene Holmes; two brothers, Harry Holmes, Jr., and Robert “Bob” Holmes; and one sister, Barbara Jean, infant.

Kenneth worked and retired from the United States Post Office (Farmington Branch) as a rural carrier for over thirty-five years. He also worked for many years at his parents’ business, Holmes Service Center, and at Coleman Buick-Pontiac-GMC, where he fostered his love of cars which he shared with his son. He was a member of the Farmington United Methodist Church, Farmington Moose Lodge, where he achieved the highest degree of Pilgrim, Farmington Masonic Lodge, and a member of the Farmington Fire Department, where he was the last charter member of the EMT Rescue Squad 1100. He enjoyed singing and playing music in the Peoria and Havana area with the band Concussions in his early years. He loved all kinds of music and relished the opportunity to share his beautiful voice in church and during karaoke nights at the Moose lodge. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and rarely missed a game.

Kenny loved his hometown and devoted countless hours in service to his community through his decades as a member of the fire department, the Rotary Club, where he served as President, and the Moose Lodge. He had a heart of gold, and was always willing to help someone in need. He was a great Dad, and was dispatched more than once to rescue one of his children who found themselves in a variety of situations from car mishaps to having climbed too high in a tree and being unable to get down. He was always willing to provide long distance coaching for lawn mower maintenance and rental car operation.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at Farmington United Methodist Church. A visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Farmington, where Loyal Order of Moose rites will be held at 6:00 PM. Burial will follow the services on Wednesday at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Farmington. Memorials can be made to the Farmington Rescue Squad 1100. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com