Merle D. Holmes

Merle Holmes went to his eternal home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 3, 2021 at the age of 92. Merle was born in Michigan and at the age of 17 enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served in Guam during WWII. Upon his return, he met Joyce Horton, the love of his life. Merle and Joyce married in 1952 and were blessed with four children and spent sixty-five wonderful years together. Joyce preceded Merle into eternity in 2017 and, after this, he looked forward with great anticipation in being reunited with her.

After returning from Guam, Merle became a television repair technician for RCA services where he worked on some of the first color TV’s when they were first introduced. In 1959, Merle came to know Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and, shortly thereafter, entered The Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music to become a pastor. With Joyce by his side, he pastored and ministered in churches in both Michigan and Florida. Together, they also served the Lord as missionaries in southern Florida.

In later years, Merle was employed at the Kennedy Space Center where he supported the Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs. During the Space Shuttle years, he enjoyed travel to Gambia, Morocco, Spain and a return trip to Guam. He brought his career to a close by retiring from United Space Alliance in 1997.

He had a highly adventurous spirit and a love of learning that remained with him all his days. It began early in life with an interest in music and playing a variety of musical instruments; the violin, guitar and organ. Merle spent a number of years as an amateur freelance photographer during the days of film and had a full photo lab in his home. On the more daring side, he raced stock cars, rode dirt bikes, and took flying lessons. His interest in electronics led him to a love of amateur radio, computers, and video editing. He also dabbled in stage acting with his daughter at a local Playhouse. Merle and Joyce together owned and ran a bird taming business and tamed everything from small parakeets to large macaws. He shared his love of water and boating with his wife, four children and extended family. They took full advantage of the beautiful waterways of sunny Florida. This is where all of the children could hear him proclaiming “everybody skis!” There weren’t many things that Merle wasn’t willing to try or do.

Merle will be remembered as a man of many talents with a sense of humor to match. He loved a good joke and jesting with everyone within earshot. He had comically odd nicknames for almost everyone he knew many of which have stuck to this day.

Merle was proceeded in death by his parents Lyle and Leora Holmes, beloved wife Joyce, son Mark Holmes, siblings Lyleen Foglesong and Harry Holmes. He is survived by his brother, Alvin Holmes, sister Joanne Raven, children Denise Holmes, David Holmes, Jack (Sherry) Holmes, grandson Christopher Holmes and many great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

Arrangements for entombment by Florida Memorial Gardens, Rockledge, FL.

II Cor 5:6-9 (present with the Lord)