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1936 Charles 2020

Charles "Don" Donald Holmes

September 22, 1936 — July 16, 2020

Charles 'Don' Donald Holmes passed away Thursday, July 16, 2020 at Wayne County Hospital in Corydon, Iowa at the age of 83 years. Funeral services will be Sunday, July 19, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Family will receive friends prior to the service, from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m., at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in care of Don's family to be designated at a later date. The service and visitation will be conducted under CDC Guidelines, which includes social distancing measures, and masks are recommended. The service may be viewed on the Pierschbacher Funeral Home Facebook page beginning at the service time. https://www.facebook.com/pierschbacherfuneralhomes/ Charles Donald Holmes, born September 22, 1936 in Chariton, Iowa, was the son of Lloyd & Arneitus Holmes. Don's father passed away when he was only a year old. His uncles stepped in to help Arneitus raise both him, and his sister, Mary Louise. Don grew up working on his Uncle Karl's farm. As a teenager, Don hitchhiked all the way to California. He quickly returned to Iowa after experiencing culture shock. Don attended Chariton High School and graduated with the class of 1954. Don proposed to Grace Anne Patterson of Chariton, Iowa on Valentine's Day 1954 and the couple was united in marriage that August. They were parents of four children: Michael Donald, Kathy Jo, Pamela Sue and Deanne Kay. Don worked hard over the years to support his family. He was a dedicated Hy-Vee employee and worked in several Hy-Vee stores, including those in Shenendoah, Ottumwa, Fairfield, Chariton and Cedar Rapids. He served as store manager of the Chariton #2 Hy-Vee Food Store for a couple of years starting in 1964. In 1966 Don & Grace opened Don's Market in Russell. They employed a lot of young people at the market over the years and Don was good to give them advice and instill his wisdom. Don and Grace also owned and operated Hile Locker in Russell. In 1978 Don went back to work for Hy-Vee, driving a truck for 20 years. He enjoyed being on the road and was known over the CB Radio as "OT" or "Old Timer". Don & Grace purchased the Arnold Lumberyard building in Russell. Don spent most of his free time keeping the lumberyard upright. At some point he began renting out space for campers. He really enjoyed his days working in the lumberyard. Don would salvage everything with confidence that it would serve a purpose down the road. He also liked to rig things up to make work "easier". In the early 90's Don owned and operated the Russell Feed Store. Don and Grace Anne were members of Faith United Methodist Church in Russell. They enjoyed traveling, eating out together, and going for drives to admire the countryside. Above all else, Don enjoyed spending time with his family. His children and grandchildren meant the world to him. Surviving Don are his wife of 66 years, Grace Anne, and his children: Mike (Marian) Holmes of Melrose, Kathy (Darwin) Mills of Russell, Pam (Galen) McCullough of Chariton, and Deanne (Andy) Rich of Chariton. Also surviving are eleven grandchildren: Zack Holmes of Melrose, Shannon Holmes of Melrose, Ryan (Gisela) Mills of Des Moines, Chad (Vanessa) Mills of Chariton, Laura (Clayton) Mart of Chariton, Jeff McCullough of Ankeny, Emily (Tyler) Porterfield of Indianola, Bailey (Jared Dudley) Smith of Corydon, Brittney (Tyler Ramus) Smith of Ankeny, Mikayla Rich of Polk City and Macray Rich of Chariton; fifteen great-grandchildren: Blaine, Kyle, Eli, Gavin, Dylan, Tanlee, Carson, Emma, Isabella, Rebecca, Rylee, Karley, Natalie, Jace and Tate; and sister Mary Louise O'Brien of Chariton. Preceding Don in death were his parents, Lloyd and Arneitus; father-in-law, Don Patterson; mother-in-law, Wavel Patterson; and brother-in-law, Dennis O'Brien. Visitation

JUL 19. 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (CST)

Pierschbacher Funeral Homes - Chariton

914 Roland Ave

Chariton, IA 50049

[email protected]

https://www.pierschbacherfuneralhome.com

Service

JUL 19. 4:00 PM (CST)

Pierschbacher Funeral Homes - Chariton

914 Roland Ave

Chariton, IA 50049

[email protected]

https://www.pierschbacherfuneralhome.com

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