Posted on: HOLMES Obituaries Reply Here: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/gc/surnames/h/o/HOLMES/obituaries/10018 Surname: Holmes ------------------------- Born: October 15th, 1926 Burley, ID Died: February 12th, 2001 Burley, ID Survived by: Survivors include two daughters, Sheryl (Chris) Dowling of Orem, Utah, and Sandi (Mark) Viau of Henderson, Nevada; two sons, Rick (Melanie) Holmes of Rupert and Curtis (Robin) Holmes of Hagerman; a sister, Karen Rehn of Heyburn; two brothers, Keith Holmes of Heyburn and Ralph Holmes of Burley; and eight grandchildren. Preceded in Death by: He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Harold; and a grandchild, Tracey Gorringe. He was born October 15, 1926, the third son of Dell and Claire Knudsen Holmes. He attended Heyburn Elementary and High School, graduating valedictorian in 1944. He participated in Thespians, student government, and sports. He was a star basketball player, holding the state high school career scoring leader title from 1941-1944. He was also student body president. He joined the U. S. Navy immediately after high school, serving in the South Pacific during World War II. He married Naomi Higley on November 23, 1946, later divorcing after having four wonderful children. His family owned and operated Holmes Construction Company, building roads and freeways throughout the west. In 1964, he founded Maverick Construction Company. Don had a knack for successfully bidding jobs in places he liked to be; Stanley, Salmon, Alpine, and Yellowstone. He was a charter member of the Flying B Ranch, a back country lodge. He was an avid sportsman, big game hunting and salmon and steelhead fishing being favorites. He loved spending time along the Salmon River. Family activities included skiing, snowmobiling, pheasant and duck hunting, fishing, and trail riding on horses in the mountains. He loved animals, especially his faithful dog, Suzi. He was a pilot, a member and former board of director of Associated General Contractors, and a lifelong member of the Burley Elks Lodge. In his later years, he really enjoyed participating in weekly Elks card games and the fellowship with the members. He also enjoyed the comraderie of his daily Conner's Coffee Club.