John Winfield Holmes went home to his Lord and Savior on October 14, 2026. He was born May 8, 1934, in Gilman, Iowa, to Russell C. Holmes and Grace (Wade) Holmes.

John grew up in Montour, Iowa with his four older sisters Jean, Margaret, Clarice, Ardis, and his younger brother Bill Holmes. Growing up, he watched his neighbors drive cows past their house. He knew he wanted to be a cowboy and a rancher, which eventually became how he lived his life. He helped his family on the farm throughout his school years. Once John graduated, he attended college at Colorado State and then at Iowa State College. At Iowa State, he met the love of his life, Marjory Gillette. They were married on December 28, 1956, before he was drafted to Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas.

John and Marjory had five children Jonathan, Timothy (died at birth), Andrew, Phillip, and Kittie. Together they farmed and ran cattle in Iowa for 25 years, as well as running a guest ranch in Traer, IA. In November of 1979 they purchased their ranch in Dewey, SD and made the move west in 1983.

John spent countless hours with his children and grandchildren, which were some of his fondest memories. He was known for his story telling and ability to teach young kids/adults. Spending time with others became something John cherished. Alaska was one of his favorite places. He climbed a mountain there with the Iowa Mountaineer club in 1955.

John kept a diary since 1967 and in his later years sent the “Dewey Doins” to many people. His hobbies included reading, working with horses, fishing, and driving around his side by side.

John and Marjory became members of the Gideon’s International in the mid-seventies. Handing out testaments and sharing the Gospel was very

important to him. John was very involved with the Edgemont Baptist Church. He was a Sunday School teacher, leader of the men’s group, served as a deacon, and taught Vacation Bible School. John served on

the Executive Board of West River Baptist Association in the nineties. For many years, he served on the Elk Mountain School Board and as Dewey Fire Department Chief.

John is survived by his wife Marjory Holmes of Dewey, SD, sister Ardis Babcock of Davenport, IA, children Jonathan (Helen) Holmes of Herrick, SD, Andrew Holmes of Lead, SD, Phillip (Kimberly) Holmes of Newcastle, WY, Kittie Mahnke of Redmond, Oregon, twelve grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and special friends Ashley (Adam) Konon of Butler, TN, and Carol (George) Keech of LacDueFlambeau, WI.

He is preceded in death by his parents, son Timothy Coe Holmes, grandson Micaiah Mahnke, sisters Jean(Oris) Hindgardner, Margaret(Howard) Lyon, Clarice(Dean) Umdenstock, brother Bill(Carol) Holmes, brothers-in-law Richard Gillette and Jack Babcock.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Edgemont Baptist Church, Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 11 a.m.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International PO Box 335, Edgemont, SD, 57735.