Forrest Holmes

Forrest Larry Holmes, 80, of Decatur died at 10:07 pm Tuesday (February 27, 2018) in his son’s home in Springfield, Oregon.Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday (March 8) in Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Macon County Memorial Park, Harristown. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.Mr. Holmes was born Jan, 6, 1938, in Decatur, the son of Forrest and Dorothy (Bramble) Holmes. He married Delena Joan Goodman on August 23, 1957. In addition to a 40-year career with Illinois Power (Ameren), Larry also served in the Illinois National Guard for over 28 years, retiring as a colonel from the State Area Command in Springfield. He served units in Decatur, Sullivan, Urbana and Springfield during that time in various capacities including executive and commanding officer and earned numerous awards and decorations over his career, culminating with a Meritorious Service Medal for exceptional service from the US Army. He was an active member of People’s Church of God for over 25 years, supporting his wife in the development and launch of the Bible Mountaineers children’s ministry. He and Joan have attended Tabernacle Baptist Church for the past 25 years. He enjoyed music and playing his trumpet, as well as spending winters in Arizona in his later years. Larry was a loving husband, father and grandfather and a special uncle. He was a role model of devotion and service, and his family will cherish his quiet wisdom and keen sense of humor forever.Surviving are his wife of 60 years; son, David L. Holmes and his wife Ellyn of Springfield, OR; grandchildren, Devin Holmes and wife Lita of Walla Walla, WA, Caitlynn Holmes of Portland, OR, and Brennan Holmes of Eugene, OR; 16 nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joyce Shride. "
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