Rex V. Holmes' Obituary
In Loving Memory
REX VALE HOLMES
3-27-17 -" 6-16-11
Rex was born in Keswick, Iowa and raised in Ottumwa, Iowa. He was the youngest of three children of Bessie and Lemuel Holmes. His father passed away when he was eight and he and his beloved brother Lem became the -Å"men of the house- during the great depression. Both became excellent hunters, worked paper routes and were lifeguards. Rex married Neva Wilkinson, the girl of his dreams, and theirs was an unmatched love story for 56 years. Rex proudly served his country in the Army Air Force as a staff sergeant. During assignment to install a hospital in Victoria, Texas his daughter Susan joined the family. Rex served in China, India, and Burma and received a Bronze Star. After his discharge Rex and Neva moved to Seattle and then to Fircrest where Rex resided from 1950 until his passing. Rex worked at the White Hand Laundry for good friend Helmut Jueling until opening his dry cleaning business, Highland Cleaners. After retirement Rex worked part time for the University Place School District.
Rex was a skilled painter and wood carver. His favorite work is a life size wooden nymph named Jezebel that happens to bear a strong resemblance to Neva. He was a master barbeque chef, prime rib being his renowned specialty. He enjoyed writing witty letters, playing cards, music and gardening. Neva often said -Å"no one enjoys living more than Rex-. This world has lost a good, honest, decent man who was devoted to his family and lived life on his own terms. He was scheduled to move to the VA Hospice facility but unexpectedly passed away the day before at home in his favorite chair holding his daughter's hand surrounded by reminders of his very full 94 years.
Rex is survived by his daughter Susan Clough; grandchildren Traci McNeill (Paul), Terri Williams (Arlin Chang), and Tina Meade (Rob); eight great grandchildren Larenda, Leaember, Marquita, Macey, Lareydo, Teejay, Jaden, and Bren; three great great grandchildren Joey, Craven and Brayden; and many other relatives. Rex was particularly fond of nieces Constance West (John), Anne Holmes, Linda Carter (Dick), Shirley Drake, and Phyllis Knox (Don); and nephew Bill Todd.
Rex wanted special mention made of VA Dr. Steven Gist whom he credited for -Å"keeping me going- for the past several years. Dr. Gist's compassion, expertise, professionalism and friendship were highly appreciated. The family would like to thank all the compassionate Tacoma General/Good Samaritan Hospice health care team, Family Resource Home Care aides, and special friends Linda Silver, Linda/ Angelo Scalici, and neighbors who called him -Å"the patriarch of the neighborhood-.
Rex requested no funeral service and a private family gathering to -Å"spread my ashes in the same rose garden with Neva-¦we will find each other-. -Å"Think of him as living in the hearts he touched, for nothing loved is ever lost and he was loved so much.-
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home
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