Elwin L. Holmes

HOLMES, Elwin L.
of Kalamazoo Elwin passed away Monday morning, May 9, 2011 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. He was born November 4, 1921, in Allegan, the only child of Elwin D. and Irma Rowe Holmes. Elwin was a 1940 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. After missing the draft for World War II, he went to work for Ford Motor Co. in the B-24 Bomber Plant from 1942-1945. On January 30, 1942, Elwin married Helen Blanchard. They raised two children together. Following her passing in 1980, he was married to Dorothy Moore Lamberson on April 11, 1981, until her passing in 1988. On January 21, 1989, Elwin married Marilyn Andre Dickie, who survives. In 1989, Elwin retired from Kalamazoo Label Co. as Vice President of Operations after 43 years. He was an excellent square and round dancer throughout his life, and this was also a requirement for all 3 of his wives. Surviving are his wife, Marilyn Holmes; one son, Elwin ?Al? Lori Holmes of Delton; six step-children, David Lamberson, Diane Rowe, Denise Woodhouse, Dawn Butcher, Mike Dickie and Cathy Weirick; 18 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and cousin, Bob Marge Rowe. One son, Donald Holmes, preceded him in death. Honoring Elwin?s wishes, his body was donated to the University of Michigan Medical School?s Anatomical Donation Program where students, physicians and other biomedical scientists conduct special anatomical studies and research. Memorial services for Elwin will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 14, at Doster Community Reformed Church, 12145 Doster Road, Plainwell, with Rev. Steve Slater officiating. Memorial contributions may be directed to West Michigan Cancer Center, American Diabetes Association, or American Heart Association. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign view or print Elwin?s online guestbook or leave a condolence to the family.