William "Bill" Holmes, 79, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 13, 2012, at Colorado Plains Medical Center after a lengthy illness. He requested there would be no services following cremation.

He was born on May 1, 1933, in Hillrose to Hiram and Annetta Holmes. He graduated from Merino High School, where he lettered in basketball, football, baseball, and track. He then attended Northeastern Junior College until he was drafted in 1952 to serve his country in the Korean War.

Bill loved to travel, living and working across the states from California to New York, where he retired. He later returned home to Sterling, where he enjoyed playing golf daily.

Bill is survived by his sons, Doug of California and Jeff of Pennsylvania; three sisters, Muriel Farber of Sterling, Fern Sanstead of Fort Collins, and Irene Seifried of New Mexico; one brother, Richard of Brush; seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; three step-daughters; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hiram and Annetta Holmes; a brother, Bob; sisters, Mildred Runstedler and Jean Wilson.