Joseph Earl Holmes

January 10, 1924 to March 28, 2010

Joseph Earl Holmes passed away peacefully at Caressant Care Nursing Home on Sunday March 28, 2010. Earl was born on January 10, 1924, the youngest son of Joseph and Florence (Spillet) Holmes. Earl remained a bachelor his entire life, while his four siblings all married and raised families. Earl enjoyed visiting and sharing special occasions with his eldest sister Amy and her husband Fred Martin and their two children, Allan Martin and Pat Koch. Earl respected and admired his oldest brother Harry, who, with the help of his soul mate Florence often entertained Earl with visits and car trips with their daughters Dorothy Knipe and Grace Strachan. Earl visited regularly with Bev and Mildred Mitchell and their children, Bob Mitchell and Marion Sharpe. When Bob appeared to be following in the bachelorhood footsteps, he often spent a weekend evening or a Sunday afternoon with the Boys; Earl who was often called Sam, Bob Menzies, and Eric Coates. Earl and his brother Bill farmed together until Bill married Gladys at which time Earl was welcomed into the Robert Menzies home. Bill and Gladys had one son Keith. Earl took on the life of a farmer's helper as he was welcomed into the lives and homes of the Earl Johnson family, Bill and Marybeth Mann's family and the McIlroy family of Gowanstown. Earl completed his farming career at David Carson Farms. He worked for a brief time at Wheaton Glass and rented an apartment on Barber Avenue N. in Listowel. Earl was a member of Trowbridge LOL No. 652. In the late 1990's Earl suffered a moderately severe stroke that changed the course of the remainder of his life. A few months at Parkwood Hospital in London won him the love and respect of the staff there, as he regained some of his independence. He returned to Listowel where he took up residence at Caressant Care Retirement Home. Joe Moore was his friendly room mate for many years. Earl's health took him to Listowel Hospital just after his 85th birthday and then he returned to Caressant Care Nursing Home in August of 2009. His room mate since that time has been another amiable gentleman, John Drost. Earl was loved and respected by all who knew or worked with him, and he will be greatly missed. His sense of humour, his ability to laugh at himself, and his capacity or talent to make the best of any situation endeared him to all. Relatives and friends are invited to share their memories at the Trowbridge United Church, on Tuesday March 30, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Michelle Owens will officiate. Interment in Elma Centre Cemetery, Atwood. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to: Listowel Memorial Hospital 255 Elizabeth Street East Listowel, ON N4W 2P5 or Trowbridge United Church c/o Marg Clarke RR #1, Atwood, ON N0G 1B0 would be appreciated and can be arranged by calling the funeral home or returning to the Current Funerals page and clicking on the Make A Donation link. Please forward your cheque directly to the charity of choice at the above address.