Greensburg — Robert Lee “Pappy” Holmes, 88, of Connersville, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012, at Dearborn County Hospital in Lawrenceburg.

He was born Aug. 12, 1924, in Connersville, one of seven children to Hollis Goble and Mary Margaret (Chapman) Holmes. He graduated Alquina High School Jan. 27, 1950. He was married to Betty Jo Hoff of Fayette County. She passed away July 25, 1999.

He served with the Army, achieving the rank of Corporal during WWII, in both France and Germany. Following WWII, he returned to Connersville where he was employed with Stant Manufacturing. Later, he was involved in agriculture in Fayette County, and picked up milk from area farms, which he delivered to Kraft Dairy.

For more than 15 years, he and his two sons bred and showed draft horses at the Fayette and Marion County Fairs. Robert and his sons also participated in the Indiana State Fair Annual Draft Horse Day (he was also the president of the Fayette County Draft Horse Association). For many years, Robert was very involved with Babe Ruth, and American Legion Baseball, which required him to work with 16-to-18 year old boys. In his leisure, he loved reading and watching westerns.

He is survived by seven children: Danny Holmes and wife Mary of Connersville; John Holmes of Clearwater, Fla; Toni Holmes-Russell of Connersville; Gale E. Holmes and wife Elaine of Coolidge, Ariz.; Larry M. Holmes of Connersville; Mark Holmes and wife Karen of Anderson; and Kimberly J. Holmes-Clapp and husband Tim of Nashville. He's also survived by a sister, Donna Bourne of Liberty; a brother, Allen K. Holmes and wife Grace of Middlebury; 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was also blessed with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, a son, Robert Lee Holmes, Jr., a grandson, Joel Holmes, a sister, Carolyn Higgs, two infant sisters, a brother, Richard D. Holmes, and a stillborn great-great-granddaughter.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home, with Robert’s brother, Allen Holmes, officiating.

Burial will be in Springersville Cemetery – family and friends may call at the Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday; they may also visit anytime online at millermosterrobbins.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette County Cancer Fund.