Mckinley Holmes

Mckinley Holmes was born on April 13, 1923 in Vian Oklahoma to Bryant and Minnie Holmes. To this union 8 children were born: Mckinley, L.C., Sammie, George, Mable, Mattie Bell, Beatrice, and Anna Mae. Mckinley was the 6th child. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, all of his siblings, Jeanetta Holmes (his wife), and Glen Holmes (his son).

McKinley graduated from Vian Douglas High School where he played on his high schools basketball team.

After high school, Mckinley enlisted in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946. He did Tours of Duty in England, Scotland, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Czechoslovakia, Belgium and Switzerland. Mckinley was a combatant in the Battle of the Bulge and in the Invasion of Normandy (D-Day), where he drove the heavy trucks, known as The Red Ball Express, across enemy lines. His ETO Commander was General Dwight D. Eisenhower and his Lead Commander was General George S. Patton. Mckinley was a decorated war hero of World War II, receiving many awards, ribbons, and metals. He received an award for being a sharp shooter (rifle), The World War II Victory Ribbon,The Good Conduct Medal, The American Theater Ribbon, The EAME Theater Ribbon, and two Bronze Star Medals for bravery. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Mckinley later attended Lincoln Business College in Kansas City Missouri, he became a Mason, and was employed at Manor/Colonial Bakery until he retired in 1986.

He went on to marry Jeanetta Ruth Vernon. They were married for 59 years. God blessed their union with 6 children: 3 boys and 3 girls.

McKinley was a humble man. He was a devoted husband, a family man, a friend to everyone, and a person you could always count on.

McKinley's favorite book was "The Road to Victory" which described his experiences during his tour in World War II.

Mckinley accepted Christ as his personal savior as a 12 year old youth at Vian Baptist Church in Vian Oklahoma. He later became an Ordained Deacon at the Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist Church in Kansas City Kansas where he attended as his health permitted. One of his favorite sayings was "God has been good to me".

Mckinley went home to be with Jesus peacefully surrounded by family in his home on Tuesday December 14th. Another Rock was added to the foundation of the Masters Plan.

He leaves to cherish his memory his remaining children: Yvonne Downton (John), Mckinley Arthur Holmes, Yvette Gulley (James), Roderick Holmes, Thomisa Gilmore (Jeffrey); daughter in law Michelle Holmes; sister in law LaRonnia Williams, brother in law Lyle Davis, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.