William Holmes

William Bill Edward Holmes, resident of Ponca City passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at the Ponca City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was 81. Bill was born the son of Holly Holmes and Julie B. Wilson Holmes on September 30, 1927 in Hobart, Oklahoma. He grew up in Kaw City, Oklahoma and later moved to Tahlequah and attended two years at Northeastern College. Bill enlisted in the United States Army on November 28, 1945 and was honorably discharged in May of 1947. He worked for several years at Parisian Cleaners in Ponca City. He married Christine White in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on April 26, 1950 and to this union, two children were born. He was a member of Sunset Baptist Church in Ponca City for many years. Bill had many enjoyments which included fishing, gardening and playing with his grandchildren. He liked going to garage sales and having them as well. Bill was good at fixing things and could always be found tinkering with lawnmowers, televisions and bikes. He loved animals and watching Animal Planet, especially when Meercat Manor was on. Bill was a gentle, kind and loving man who will be missed. He is survived by his wife, Christine of the home; children, Wilma McAlexander and husband, Don of Albuquerque, New Mexico and David Holmes of Ponca City, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Shannon McAlexander, Justin McAlexander and wife, Tonya, Keri Pourner and husband, Montana and Stacy Dry and husband, Brian; great grandchildren, Kaleb McAlexander, Lainey McAlexander, Kirsten Bruns, Americus Pourner, Logan Pourner, Chandra Pourner, Lakin Dry, Ray Dry and Emily Dry; one nephew, T. Holly Holmes; one niece, Julie Ann as well as other family. He is also survived by his loving dog, Koko. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tom Holmes; and his beloved dog, Misty Lynn. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at Grace Memorial Chapel with Rev. John Clayton officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Ponca City Humane Society, P.O. Box 1671, Ponca City, Oklahoma 74602 or to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 1904 N. Union, Suite 103, Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601. The family will be greeting friends at a formal visitation on Tuesday evening from 7 pm to 9 pm at Grace Memorial Chapel. Online condolences can be made by going to www.gracememorialchapel.net.