Visitation
2 to 4 PM, Sunday, January 29, 2017 at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Fayette, MO

Funeral Services
Graveside service 1 PM, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017 at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis with military honors.

Interment
1 PM, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017 at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, MO

Memorials
Central Methodist University Athletic Dept. in care of funeral home

William J. Holmes (Coach) 1929 - 2017 William Joseph Holmes passed away after a short illness at University HospitaI in Columbia on January 27, 2017. He was 87 years old William Joseph Holmes was born in St. Louis, MO on August 11, 1929 to Jesse and Alice (Stamps) Holmes. Bill graduated from Beaumont High School in 1948. He graduated from Northeast Missouri State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science and Master's Degree in Education in 1956. Bill served his country in the United States Navy from 1951-1954, during the Korean War. Coach started his athletic career playing on soccer teams in St. Louis that were State Champions twice and National Champions once. He was also a boxer, winning the Golden Gloves Championship. As a high school coach in Herculaneum, MO he received national recognition in Parade magazine for his obstacle course to develop physical fitness. His last seven years at Herculaneum saw his football team have an 84% win record with a 27 game winning streak. During his tenure in Herculaneum the Mineral Area Track Meet was developed into the largest track meet in MO outside of the State Meets. He became the head football coach at Central Methodist College in 1965 where he continued his winning ways. During his coaching career his teams lead the nation in passing and became conference champions. He continued coaching at the college level for the next 11 years. He was inducted into the Herculaneum Hall of Fame at the High School level and the Hairston Hall of Fame at Central Methodist University in recognition of his accomplishments. Coach was involved with coaching and teaching at the high school level for the next 11 years. Coach believed, what you know is important,who you know is more important, and providing a service to those you know, is most important; Our dad always enjoyed a challenge and trying new things and visiting new places at least once. Bill once broke his leg in a motorcycle accident and then went on to challenge others on crutches to foot races. He won. There was always something to be learned from each new experience. Coach Holmes is survived by 5 children, Kathleen (Sam) Stroupe of Armstrong, MO, Thomas (Jan) Holmes of Georgia, Michele Holmes of Merlin, OR, Mary Alice Holmes of Fayette, MO, Karen (Jim) White of Helena, MT; 9 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Coach Holmes was preceded in death by a sister, Marilyn Mur, and one brother Malcolm Holmes. A visitation in Coach Holmes's honor will be held at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Fayette on Sunday, January 29, 2017 from 2-4 PM. Graveside services will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St Louis, MO on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 1:00 PM. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Central Methodist University Athletic Department, in care of Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 174 Hwy 5 and 240 N., Fayette, MO 65248.