Sonny "Lee" Holmes

Lee Holmes, 85, of Independence, Mo. peacefully passed away on Friday, June 14, 2019. The Visitation begins at 6:00 on Friday with a time of Tributes and Remembrance at 7:00pm at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th. St., Independence Mo. 64055. A graveside service for family and friends will take place at 11:30am on Saturday at Mount Comfort Cemetery, Springfield, Mo. 65803. The Rev Richard Fine of the Ebenezer United Methodist Church will officiate.
Lee was born July 19, 1933 in Jefferson City Mo. to Kermit Tuck Holmes & Lorene Yoachum. Lee grew up in the small community of Ebenezer, Mo and graduated Pleasant Hope High School in 1951. He then married the love of his life, Mary Ann Calder, soon to be Mary Ann Holmes, at age 18, she 21. They moved to Independence, a city he was proud of, to find work. Their kids, Greg, Lucinda and Jeff, soon followed, and a wonderful family life began at 2712 S. Whitney Road.
Lee’s early fascination in electronics led to a job of repairing TV’s and then owning/running Gladstone TV in the northland for many years. He retired at age 50 and commuted to University of Central Missouri from Independence every day, to take classes and eventually get his Masters’ degree in Adult Education. He also taught photography classes at the University.
His lifelong hobbies included glamour photography, ham radio operator (W0RDL), Rockabilly music (Jerry Lee Lewis), restoring antique radios, reading, old movies (Turner Classic Movies), donating time, talent and financial resources to the needy in Kansas City’s Urban Core, and cussing under his breath while working on many AMC Ramblers!
Lee has always been a big supporter of the United Methodist Church. St. Matthews, the little church that could, become a wonderful oasis of love and friendship.
Lee is survived by daughter the Rev. Dr. Lucinda Holmes (Cliff Meek) of Kansas City and son Jeff Holmes (Tanna Guthrie-Holmes) Leawood, KS and Grandson Sterling also of Leawood, KS; and Sister Jeannine Templeton (George) of Springfield.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kermit & Lorene Holmes; brother Kermit Holmes, Jr. (Barbara)of Springfield; wife Mary Ann; and son Greg Douglas of Higginsville Mo.
Our father was a great conversationalist with a vast knowledge of anything. He would be the person at a party you’d want to first invite. His hugs are the best.