"Bill and Carol Ann were always kind and caring neighbors. When we adopted our son they were some of the first to welcome him. We will always be grateful for their love, support and friendship. Their family truly reflects their genuine goodness, which is sometimes hard to find in the world. Our deepest sympathies go out to all the family. We will keep you in our hearts and prayers, and will miss Bill, just as we miss Carol Ann."
In loving memory of
William Holmes
PHOENIX - William (Bill) Holmes, 83, a 53-year resident of Phoenix, passed away on September 10, 2019 with his family by his side. Bill was born and raised by farming parents in Montour, Iowa. After two years at Iowa State Teachers College, Bill joined the Navy to become a pilot. Bill's passion for flying and aviation never left him as he devoted a considerable amount of time flying privately and for the Civil Air Patrol out of Sky Harbor Airport. Even in his 70's and 80's you might see him out flying his large remote-controlled airplanes at the airplane park! In 1961 Bill married Carol Ann Hill, a sweet and petite farm girl from South Dakota. They lived in Sioux Falls for a short time and then Dad's thirst for adventure and his career with AAA took him to Yuma, AZ. After a short stint in Yuma, Bill was transferred to Phoenix. He and Carol Ann then bought their first and only home there, where they raised their children. Bill was an amazing father and was often described as a kind, calm and caring man. Bill was also excellent at keeping in touch with family across the country, including his siblings, many nieces and nephews, and Carol Ann's family. After 50 years of marriage, Bill lost his beloved Carol Ann but soldiered on without her, continuing to travel when he could to visit his family and friends. On a typical day in his retirement you might find him reading in his chair, visiting with a neighbor, riding his bike, or enjoying his grandchildren. In an ever-changing neighborhood, he managed to hold the title of "King of Irrigation" for over 52 years, opening the irrigation gates for all the neighbors so their fruit trees could get a good soaking every couple of weeks during the hot summer months in Arizona. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Russell & Grace, his sister Clarice and his wife, Carol Ann. Bill is survived by his son Dan (Dawn); daughter Allyson (Andy); grandchildren Andrew (Bre), Joe (Audrey), Jake, Andrea and Keri; siblings Jean, Margaret, Ardis and John; and many other family members and friends. Please join his family for a visitation on Monday, September 16th, 4-7pm at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary and Cemetery, 6500 East Bell Road in Scottsdale. You are also invited to join his memorial service at 10am on Tuesday, September 17th at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 Cave Creek Rd in Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project: PO BOX 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.
Tributes
"My sincere condolences to the family!"
"Bill and Carol Ann always made a point of making me feel at home when visiting Dan back when we were in college. The Holmes family have always had and always will have a special place in the lives of my family. Dan and Allyson have continued a legacy set forth by Bill and Carol Ann in the way they live their lives and have raised their children. I couldn't image it possible Bill could have been be more proud."