EAST WORCESTER - H. Neil Holmes, 92, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 28, 2007 at the A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta.


He was born May 6, 1914 in West Davenport, the son of Lee Anthony and Mabel (Fox) Holmes.


Neil married Hazel June Blanton on June 21, 1936 in Maryland.


Neil graduated from Oneonta High School, Class of 1932, he than attended the Jack Kelly Plumbing in Oneonta. In 1942 started working at the American Locomotive in Schenectady during World War II, where he worked on the last steam engine manufactured in the United States, which is now on exhibit in Steamtown, PA. In 1946 he moved to East Worcester and was a self employed plumber until his retirement.


Neil was a 56 year member and Past Master of the Schenevus Valley Lodge #592 F&AM; a member and Past Patron of Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #138, Schenevus; a trustee of the East Worcester United Methodist Church; past commissioner of the East Worcester Fire Department and a member of the Kalurah Shrine in Binghamton.


He loved animals and there wasn't a dog in the area that he didn't call by name.


He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Hazel; two sons, Wayne and Gloria Homes of Norwich and Charles and Mary Ann Holmes of Worcester; granddaughters, Jennifer and Samuel Space of Providence, RI, Jessica and D.J. Waterman of Lake Winola, PA, Rebecca Holmes of Auburn Center, PA and Amanda Holmes of Greene; a sister, Myrna Loy and William Belak of Altamont; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Holmes and John Brown of Morris, and Alice Blanton of East Meredith;
A family friend, Arthur Verity, Jr. Of Worcester; several cousins and many nieces, nephews and friends.


He was predeceased by two brothers, Carl (Jack) Holmes and Clarence (Sherdy) and his wife, Marian Holmes and a sister, Irene Holmes and her husband, Mars Hillis.


Calling hours will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. On Saturday, February 3, 2007 at the East Worcester United Methodist Church, with a Masonic service starting at 2 p.m. Followed by the funeral service, with the Rev. Nancy Dulkis, pastor, officiating.

Interment will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, May 7, 2007 at the Charlotte Valley Cemetery


Contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church, East Worcester, NY 12064.


Online condolences may be made at www.skinnerfuneralchapel.com


The E.J. Skinner Co., 155 Main St. In Worcester, is serving the family.