Ralph Russel (Russ) Holmer, 93, of Kerrville, TX passed away at the VA Medical Center on August 30, 2017. Russ was born in Troy, Montana December 6, 1923 and raised in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
He enlisted in the Army Air Corps reserves in 1942 and was called to active duty shortly thereafter. He entered the aviation program and flew P-47s in the Pacific Theatre (Iwo Jima). He left the service in 1946 and attended the University of Washington, graduating in 1950. In 1951 he was recalled to active duty and served in Korea.
He married Donna Phillips May 18, 1952. She passed away November 9, 1959. They had two sons, David and Dan. In 1964 he served in Vietnam and then in Germany and Norway from 1965 to 1969. He retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel in 1970 after serving 28 years.
While working in Atlanta, he met Junell Olson. They married February 7, 1986 and moved to Guadalajara, Mexico, living there for three and a half years. After discovering Kerrville, they decided this is the place to retire.
Russ is survived by his wife Junell, son David and his wife Sherri and daughter in law Debbie Holmer. Son Dan passed away in 2009.
Russ was a member of Kerrville Masonic Lodge #697, Scottish Rite, Alzafar Shrine Temple, Kerrville Shrine Club, Quiet Birdmen (a pilot's fraternity), Hill County Youth Ranch auxiliary, Air Force Association, Military Officers of America, American Legion, Disabled Veterans, Experimental Aircraft Association 747, National Museum of the Pacific War, Museum of Western Art, Riverhill Country Club and First United Methodist Church of Kerrville.
In lieu of flower, memorials may be made to Hill Country Youth Ranch P.O. Box 67 Ingram, TX 78025, Shrine Children's Hospital or the charity of one's choice.
There will be a visitation at Kerrville Funeral Home, 1221 Junction Hwy. Kerrville, TX 78028 on Saturday September 2, 2017 from 5- 7PM.
Interment will take place at 10 AM on Thursday September 14, 2107 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors . No further services are planned.
Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home (830)895-5111
Visitation Schedule
Kerrville Funeral Home
1221 Junction Hwy.
Kerrville, TX 78028
Saturday, September 2, 2017
5 - 7PM
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Service Schedule
Graveside Service
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, TX 78209
Thursday, September 14, 2017
10 AM
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Burial Schedule
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd
San Antonio, TX 78209
Map & Directions