Clarence “Ken” L. Holmes

Clarence “Ken” L Holmes, Jr., 74 of Independence, MO passed away January 29, 2022, at home of Alzheimer’s disease, surrounded by loved ones. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Ken was born in Chicago, IL, June 9, 1947. He graduated from Tuley High School in 1966, a member of the ROTC and front man of his band “Chief and the Renegades.” He was drafted into the U.S. Army in September of 1966. He proudly served his country as an NCO during the Vietnam War until he received an honorable discharge in September of 1969. After his discharge from the service, he moved to the Kansas City area where he lived for the remainder of his life.

Ken had a good and true heart that he used to be an inspirational leader, touching the lives of many. He was a gifted materials and logistics management professional, former Shawnee Mission reserve police officer, APICS president and board member, and non-denominational minister.

He loved life, dancing, playing music, mentoring, teaching, being of service, and most of all, his family. He also enjoyed attending local Pow Wows and Polish festivals where he celebrated his dual Eastern Cherokee and Polish heritage.

Ken will be remembered for his loving kindness, quirky sense of humor, spirituality, and his fierce dedication and commitment in all that he did.

He is survived by his wife Jennifer (McConnell) Holmes; son, Daniel Holmes (Becky); daughters, Elizabeth Holmes, Casey Hartsock (Jeramie), Kristen Corlett (Daniel), Jessica Holmes; granddaughters, Selia Holmes, Alexandra and Abigail Hartsock; his sister Christine Marulewski and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his dog and cats Hurley, Coco and DJ.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents Clarence L Holmes, Sr. and Mildred (Markowski) Holmes, his brother-in-law and best friend, Ron Marulewski, and his first wife, Julia (Hartnett) Holmes.

Visits: 1

Condolences

  1. Roma Prins on February 6, 2022 at 12:40 pm

    Jennifer- I am so sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you now and days ahead. May you fibd peace and love, and know he is no longer suffering.

    With Love,



  2. Russell Thomason on February 6, 2022 at 1:20 pm

    A Kind & Steady Heart,
    Kenneth was a cool man.



  3. Maire and Ron Meyer on February 6, 2022 at 1:55 pm

    Aunt Jennifer, thank you for all you have done to bring joy to Uncle Ken’s life and all the care you gave that eased his journey to passing over to a Higher Ground. That’s all part of loving someone and I’m glad you had that love together. We all share in your loss and our hope is that you are surrounded by many who love and comfort you, especially those of us who send our deepest love “from across the prairie”. Peace.



  4. Mick Haffner on February 6, 2022 at 2:35 pm

    Thoughts and prayers for you and your family as you go through this great loss, know that you are loved



  5. Becky Giarratano on February 6, 2022 at 4:24 pm

    Jennifer, I am so sorry that Ken has returned to Spirit. But, no more illness and he is free again. I know he will be a wonderful Angel watching over you and the rest of the family. I’m sure Ken will send you all lots of signs of his presence and never ending love.



  6. Therese Inzerillo on February 6, 2022 at 5:44 pm

    Sending you so much love as you move through this experience. I surround you and your family in prayer and LIGHT! Blessings!



  7. Lisa Swaney on February 6, 2022 at 6:35 pm

    Sending love to you and your family at this difficult time.



  8. Ric. Jones on December 26, 2022 at 11:24 pm

    Ken and I worked together at Meridian Automotive Systems for a number of years…Loved the connection…He’s been on my mind all of this year and have just now found his obituary…Peace and blessings.



  9. Carol Babicz Riehle on September 25, 2023 at 10:59 am

    The Tuley High School Class of 1966 would like to extend their condolences to Clarence’s family. He is remembered fondly.



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