Leo L. Holmes

Leo L. Holmes, 96, of Hesston, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at his home. He was born on November 23, 1925 in Hanston, Kansas, the son of Elmer M. and Flora Mae (Goller) Holmes.
He graduated from Hanston High School with the class of 1944. Leo later received his Aviation Management degree from Denver University. He also later obtained his private pilot's license and FAA Airline and Engine Mechanic license.
Leo served in the United States Army in central Europe during WWII from 1944-1946, attaining the rank of Corporal.
He was united in marriage to Carolyn Marita Heald on February 21, 1953 at the First United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kansas.
He worked as a technical writer for Aviation & Farm Equipment. Leo later worked for Boeing for 17 years, where he was involved with modifications to Air Force One and Air Force Two. He was employed for 12 years at Hesston Corporation, and from 1970-1973, Leo owned and operated Holmes Dodge and Implement in Burwell, Nebraska.
He was a member of the Hesston Kiwanis Club where he served as President and received distinguished Presidents Award with Honors. Leo was also a member of the Hesston United Methodist Church. Leo and Carolyn were instrumental in getting the Hesston Senior Center started.
Leo is survived by his wife, Carolyn of the home; daughter, Marita Jo (Brent) Steckly of Beaver Crossing, NE; three sons, L. Monte (Monica) Holmes of Goshen, IN, Marshall (Renee) Holmes of Hesston; and Mitchell (Michelle) Holmes of St. John; 16 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Rex Heald; two brothers; and one sister.
Family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, November 11, 2022 at Miller-Ott Funeral Home, Hesston. Private graveside services will be held at Highland Cemetery, Minneapolis, KS. Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, November 26, at Hesston United Methodist Church, with military honors by the United States Army Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to Hesston UMC or Heartland Pregnancy Center of Newton in care of Miller-Ott Funeral Home, PO Box 32, Hesston, KS 67062.