Passed away on November 16, 2017 at the age of 91. He was born in Menominee, MI on December 6, 1925 to Ben Bentley Holmes and Ella (née Hubert) Holmes. He enjoyed a wonderful upbringing along the bay of Lake Michigan with his brothers and many lifelong friends. He became an expert sailor and even earned a ship captain's license. At age 17, Bill enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He served as the flight engineer and top-turret gunner on a B-24 bomber. On his third mission, his plan was shot down over Hungary, and he parachuted into the hands of the SS troops. Many long, cold marches and crowed box cars took him to various German prison camps. In 1945, his camp was liberated by General George Patton. Following the war, Bill attended Lawrence University and married the late Joan (née Worth) Holmes. He became the youngest manager at the Michigan Bell Telephone Company overseeing the transition from switchboard to rotary dial phone service. A natural leader, Bill was active in many community organizations, serving as president of Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce. Eventually he assumed his family business as a manufacturer's representative for brick and building supply companies. His success was so impenetrable that his competitors referred to the Upper Peninsula territory the "Iron Curtain Country." Eventually, Bill moved to Milwaukee and expanded his experience in the building supply business. After retirement, he became active in photography, bird-watching, and volunteering at local nature centers. He also began embracing his place in history as a World War II veteran. He was invited to appear in numerous parades, culminating in his role as grand marshal in the 2011 Veteran's Day Parade and Day of Honor. He was specially featured in the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight documentary and Mettle and Honor: The Greatest Generation, a televised program featuring oral histories from World War II veterans. In 2013 Bill was awarded the prestigious Lance P. Sijan award. Dedicated to preserving the camaraderie of fellow ex-POWs, he served as commander of the Milwaukee Barbed Wire Chapter of American Ex-POWS.Bill is survived by his three devoted daughters Paula (Geoffrey) LaFond, Elizabeth (John Smith) Holmes, and Ann (Robert) Holtz. His memory lives on in ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Bill was a man of remarkable accomplishments and a myriad of experiences. He was a well-liked friend to many and gentleman to all. He will be dearly missed by those who loved and knew him. A celebration of life and interment will be held in Menominee this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Menominee North Pier Light, PO Box 151, Menominee, MI 49858.