Arnold W. Holmes

Arnold W. Holmes, 87, of New Philadelphia, died Thursday morning, April 27, 2006 in Union Hospital at Dover. A son of the late Percy and Ruth (McKnight) Holmes, Arnold was born November 22, 1918 at Roswell, Ohio.On May 28, 1940, Arnold enlisted with the United States Army and during his service to his country, he served in Italy and North Africa during World War II. For his dedication to his country, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the American Defense Medal and most notably, two Purple Heart Medals.Then on November 10, 1945 at Dover, Ohio, he married the love of his life, the former Alice James. Together, Arnold and Alice raised five wonderful children, Robert, Mallory, Rebecca and twins, Larry and Garry.Arnold retired from IF manufacturing in 1983 and was active in many social organizations. He was a charter member of the former Midvale V.F.W, a lifetime member of the Tuscarawas V.F.W, a lifetime member of the D.A.V. as well as a member of the former Army-Navy Garrison of New Philadelphia. Arnold also enjoyed singing, dancing and listening to music but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Alice J. (James) Holmes, daughters, Mallory J. (Kenny) Hutchison of New Philadelphia and Rebecca S. Holmes of Columbus, Ohio; sons, Robert W. (fiancé Gerri Barrick) Holmes, Sr. of New Philadelphia, Larry A. (Sandy) Holmes of Tuscarawas and Garry B. (Holly) Holmes of New Philadelphia; grandchildren, Robert W. Holmes, Jr., Amy (Brad) McDougal, Chad Hutchison, Steven (Wendy) Clum II, Todd Holmes, Greg Holmes, Megan Holmes and Ryan Holmes, great-grandchildren, Savannah Holmes, Cole McDougal, Cade McDougal, Steven Clum III, Aden Clum and one great-granddaughter on the way; sister, Evelyn (Clifford) Redinger of California; and sisters-in-law, Ellsie Jean Holmes of New Philadelphia and Rita Lennon of Canton.Arnold was preceded in death by his parents, a special grandson, Brian Hutchison, three brothers, Robert, William and Thomas Holmes and three sisters, Jane Fox, Kate Evans and Dorothy Holmes.Family and friends may call at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Sunday, April 30, 2006 from 2 to 6 p.m. A funeral service celebrating Arnold’s life will be held on Monday, May 1, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Chapel with Rev. Tom Klassner officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia with the Tuscarawas V.F.W. performing military honors. Following the committal service, a memorial reception will be held in the Geib Family Center at New Philadelphia.Memorial contributions may be made in Arnold’s memory to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover OH 44622.