Sgt. John A. Holmes

John A. (Johnny) Holmes of Chicago passed away on Friday, March 22, 2013, in Toulon, IL. Mr. Holmes was born in Alliance, Ohio, the son of John and Anna (Hudson) Holmes. Mr Holmes attended Evanston Township High School in Evanston IL.

In September 1949 Johnny Holmes married Louise Bradshaw. This union produced two children, Anita and Michael, who survive their parents. Upon Louise Holmes’s death Johnny married Anne Knox Smith, who had 4 children from a previous marriage. Anne Smith Holmes and 3 of her four children preceded Johnny in death.

During World War II, Mr. Holmes served as a tank commander sergeant with the 761st Tank Battalion. Upon his honorable discharge, Johnny Holmes was employed in several manufacturing jobs and retired from the City of Chicago. Forever proud of his service to his country, Mr Holmes joined the Chicago Chapter of the 761st Tank Battalion and Allied Veterans Association. He is profiled in Tom Brokaw’s book “The Greatest Generation”.

His life is remembered and celebrated by his family and friends, including his daughter Anita Berlanga (Barry Simmons), son Michael, grandson, John Gerard Holmes, stepson Allen Smith (Jennifer) and granddaughter, Ayana Wise as well as two great grandsons, Jiyion & Johnye Holmes.

Obituary provided by Anita Berlanga