John D. Holmes, 64, of Atchison, Kansas died on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 surrounded by his loved ones.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday April 10th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. Interment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Union Star, Missouri at a later date.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society, local Atchison youth programs or the charity of choice.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.arensbergpruett.com.

John was born on August 9, 1953 to William L. and Gretchen A. (Brittain) Holmes, the eldest of three sons. John graduated from Atchison High School in 1972 and attended the University of Kansas and graduated from Benedictine College in 1979, with bachelor degree in political science. He was a well-read individual who loved politics, history and discussing current topics. He worked for the City of Atchison Water Department, his uncle Bill Brittain’s business in Colorado, in construction and at the Kansas Department of Corrections. Family was very important to John and he spent many years caring for his mother, grandmother and grandchildren. He was an avid supporter of the KU Jayhawks, KC Royals and KC Chiefs.

John was married to Mary H. Razo on June 14, 1974 and they later divorced.

Survivors include his brothers, Mark and Timothy Holmes, uncle Bill Brittain and aunt Joyce Montgomery, former spouse, Mary Carlson, step-mother Rosie Holmes, step-sister, Shannon Ellerman, children, Tanya Butler, Dana Holmes, John Brittain Holmes, Stash Holmes and Scott Holmes, five grandchildren, four nephews and a niece.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill Holmes and Gretchen Muncy and his grandparents, John and Bernice Holmes and Denver and Betty Brittain.