Obit

Publish Date:
Monday, May 21, 2007

CLAYTON ALBERT HOLMES SR.

EAST MACHIAS - Clayton Albert Holmes Sr., 78, died peacefully May 19, 2007, surrounded by his loving family at his daughter's home. He was born May 16, 1929, in East Machias, the son of Carroll and Gladys (Geel) Holmes. Clayton enjoyed working in his garage, camping, fishing, hunting, following professional boxing and reading. He liked traveling, having the opportunity on one cross-country trip to travel as far as Alaska, a state with which he held a long fascination. He also enjoyed taking early morning rides around his hometown before returning home for a second breakfast. He loved to spend time with his friends, neighbors and family. Clayton worked for many years as a mechanic and heavy equipment operator for Hanscom Construction, before taking a position as a maintenance supervisor for Champion International. He retired from Champion in 1994. Clayton was always willing to help with whatever he could, and was known for his quick wit. His sense of humor will be sorely missed. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Frances (Cropley); his son, Clayton "Butch" Holmes Jr. and his wife, Leah, of Bangor; his daughter, Deborah Dorr and her husband, Leon, of Orrington; grandson, Stephen Allan and his wife, Kathryn, of Bangor; granddaughter, Hea-ther Rickman and her husband, Joseph, of Holden; his great-grandchildren, Duncan and Lorelai Allan; and many stepgrandchildren, great-stepgrand-children, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; as well as his loving dog, Misty; his siblings, Roberta Crone of Pennsylvania, Clyde Holmes and his wife, Valerie of Connecticut and Mowana McGarry of Florida. In addition to his parents, Clayton was predeceased by his sister, Mona Cole. The family would like to thank the services of New Hope Hospice, as well as all the special friends and neighbors who visited while Clayton was ill. A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, May 26, at Jacksonville Cemetery, along Route 191, East Machias. A service of Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor.