Carl Holmes

Carl Martin Holmes, 88, passed away Mon. Sept. 3, 2018. Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Florence Holmes; wife Shirley (Long) Holmes; and brothers Wayne and Leroy Holmes. He is survived by his daughters, Betsy (John) Hamann, Margaret Holmes; sister, Marilyn Francis; and nieces and nephews. Carl was a lifelong Wichita west-sider who attended Franklin Elementary, Allison Junior High and North High. After graduation from Wichita University, he became an Air Force Pilot during the Korean War, flying transport aircraft. Carl was employed at Boeing as an engineer during the B-52 program. He planted a pecan orchard in Sumner County. After obtaining a second Master’s Degree from KSU, he joined the Wichita park department in landscape and forestry and was one of the founders of the Botanica Gardens. He traveled extensively with his family and enjoyed birding expeditions, and was a lifelong member of West Side Baptist Church. Contributions can be made to The Wichita Botanica Gardens, 701 Amidon St, Wichita, KS 67203. Memorial services will be held at West Side Baptist Church, 304 S Seneca St, Wichita, KS 67213 on Friday, September 14, 2018 at 1:00 pm.