Charles "Chuck" Holmes

     Charles (Chuck) Holmes, 87, of Westville, IL, passed from this life on May 15, 2020, at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center, Danville, IL. 

     Chuck was born May 13, 1933, in Georgetown, IL, son of William R. and Kathryn (Rowland) Holmes. He graduated from Georgetown High School and the University of Illinois. He was married to Lois (Gallagher) Holmes from 1954 to 1993, and they had two daughters together.

     Chuck’s career included working in labor relations for General Dynamics, San Diego, CA, Freeman Coal, Benton, IL, and Tacoma Boat Building Company, Tacoma, WA. He had high integrity in his profession, treated all employees with fairness, was willing to give someone a second chance, resisted long-standing nepotism, and was proud that he broke with tradition and hired African American and women coal miners in southern Illinois.

     Through the years, Chuck was a devoted, enthusiastic and proud husband, father and grandfather. He was always coming up with clever schemes to tease, delight, entertain and educate his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephew. Apart from family, he had many passions, including sports, having been an outstanding high school athlete and full back for the 1952 Fighting Illini football team until sidelined by an injury. Chuck stayed connected with old friends and former classmates. Among those former classmates was Jeanette (Mensavage) Holmes, his beloved second wife whom he married in 2004. He also cared about his neighbors, especially children, many of whom considered him a role model. Chuck was active in local athletic programs and, more recently, his church.

     Until his last day, Chuck had a mind like a steel trap and could recount with minute detail names and events from decades past. He had a gift for telling stories and jokes that brought hilarity and joy. Chuck’s generosity of spirit was repaid in the love of his family, friends and community.  Two days before his unexpected  passing, he celebrated his 87th birthday by talking to numerous loved ones on the phone.  We are deeply grateful for this birthday connection  and the chance to tell Chuck once again how  important he was to so many  people.

     Chuck was proceeded in death by his sister, Dolores Connelly, Danville, IL.  His surviving loved ones include caring wife, Jeanette (Mensavage) Holmes, daughters Paula Jean Cummings,  Ruston, WA, and Angela Kay Tinsley, Nevada City, CA, sister Barbara Jackowski, five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews. Charles was blessed with loyal and caring friends, especially Al and Belva Morris, Georgetown, IL, who were considered as family.

     A public graveside service (social distancing required) will be held Friday, May 29, 2020, 2:00PM at Georgetown Cemetery, with Phil Miller of First Church of Christ, Georgetown, IL,  officiating.  His family entrusted his arrangements to Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Georgetown, Illinois 200 E. West St. Georgetown, Illinois 61846.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chuck’s name to the food bank at the First Church of Christ, Georgetown, IL, or the Sports Booster Club at Westville High School, Westville, IL.  Please join his family in sharing memories, stories and Send Hugs through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

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