Wendell S. Holmes, Columbus, died Jan. 14 at 103. He was born in Oswego, Kan., in 1907 and lived much of his life in Hutchinson, Kan., where he practiced law and raised his family. For the past 20 years he lived in Atlanta, Ga., before moving last year to Columbus.

Holmes is survived by his daughters, Nancy Holmes and Sally McPherson, Tryon; granddaughters, Elizabeth McPherson Andresen (Paul), Alpharetta, Ga., and Laura McPherson Turner (Mark), Clemmons, N.C., and six great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife, Alice, and sons-in-law Jim Freeman, Neil McPherson and Ron Stegall.

Holmes graduated from the University of Kansas and Catholic University of America School of Law. A lifelong supporter of KU, he was national president of the alumni association and the development committee.

During World War II he served in the United States Army, where he attained the rank of lieutenant colonel and was awarded the Legion of Merit for extraordinary service.

Holmes was committed to community service wherever he lived. In Hutchinson he served on the chamber of commerce and hospital boards of directors. In Atlanta, he volunteered more than 2,500 hours for the public library system and received major honors for his work.

A memorial service will be held in Hutchinson in late March.