Rex Dean Holmes, the son of Ennis L. and Essie Conn Holmes, was born August 8, 1927 in Red Oak, Iowa. He passed away Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 82 years, 11 months and 6 days. Rex was raised in Red Oak, attending Red Oak High School. On June 13, l945, he entered the U.S. Marine Corps. Rex was united in marriage to Romona Jean Basore on December 28, 1946 in Hiawatha, KS. As a Marine, he lived all over the world serving his country during WW II, Korea and Vietnam. Rex was honorably discharge as a MGYSGT with the 1st Marine Division after more than 26 years of service to his country. Following Rex's military career, he and Romona Jean made their home in Red Oak. Rex worked 2 years for Star Agri and 6 years for the State of Iowa with the liquor store department before his retirement. Rex was a member of the First Christian Church, American Legion Lorraine Post #67, Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Court of Honor, life member of VFW Darwin Merritt Post #2265 all of Red Oak and the Fleet Reserve Association. Rex enjoyed woodworking, photography, and bird watching, along with having coffee with his friends. He was proud of his military service and was a great supporter of all veterans. Rex was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers: Ross, Richard and Robert; and 3 sisters: Helen, Lucy and Rowena. Rex is survived by his wife of 63 years, Romona Jean Holmes of Red Oak, IA; 3 sons: David Holmes and his wife Phyllis of Leavenworth, KS; Richard Holmes and wife Chris of Westminster, CO; Dwight Holmes and wife Ingrid of Ripley, NY; 7 grandchildren: Rex D. Holmes II, Karl Holmes, David Holmes, Justin Holmes, Travis Holmes, Chad Holmes and Amanda Holmes; 3 great-grandchildren: Amanda, Ashley and Kristen; 4 step-grandchildren: Steve, Serina, Corina and Adinna; 6 step-great-grandchildren; 2 sisters: Ruth Roszel of Santa Anna, CA and Elizabeth "Betty" Miller of Red Oak, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn. Funeral Service will be held Monday, July 19, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church, Red Oak Burial at Evergreen Cemetery with full Marine Corps Military Rites Rev. JoAnn Thomas, Officiating Visitation with the family present on Sunday afternoon from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home Memorials to the Montgomery County Court of Honor or First Christian Church Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.