Ray Stephen Holmes, 77, of Udall, Kansas, passed away Tuesday evening, April 28, 2020 at his home.

Born June 1, 1942 in Winfield, Kansas, he was the son of Albert V. and Edith Eilene (Effner) Holmes. He was raised and received his education in Udall, graduating from Udall High School in 1960. Following school, Ray began driving as a furniture mover and soon became a truck driver and bus driver. During the winters, he worked for Continental Trailways as a bus driver and was a farmer in the summertime. In the late 1980's, he moved to California to work as a safety inspector for Brand Scaffolding.

Ray was united in marriage to Karen Sue Valentine on May 1, 1992 in Bakersfield, California. The couple made their home in Udall and enjoyed traveling the country as over-the-road truck drivers. Ray continued working as an owner/operator of Ray Holmes Trucking from 1992 until retiring in 2017. Mrs. Holmes preceded him death on June 7, 2017.

He was a member of Belle Plaine AF&AM #173 and enjoyed watching John Wayne movies and Law & Order. He also enjoyed tinkering in his shop and watching his grandchildren play sporting events.

His family includes his children, Shelley Harris of Winfield; Paul Holmes of Udall; Chris Holmes and wife, Melissa of Udall; Kevin Gilbreath and wife, Tammy of Udall; Kregg Gilbreath and wife, Donna of Udall; Gina Hoffman and husband, Randy of Udall; son-in-law Patrick Durkin and wife, Andrea of California; sister Allene Kistler and husband, Roy of Udall; his uncle Eddy Holmes; his 25 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; and his dog Mazee.

In addition to his parents and wife, Ray was preceded in death by a daughter Brenda Durkin, a brother Barry Holmes, and a sister Betty Storey.

Graveside funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Ninnescah Cemetery south of Udall. The graveside service will be available to be viewed live on Miles Funeral Service Facebook page.   A visitation is scheduled at Miles Funeral Service on Friday from 4 to 8 P.M. The family will greet visitors from 5 to 7 that evening.

Memorials have been established in Ray's name for the Cowley County Fire District #4 and for Rivercross Hospice. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.