Bradford M. Holmes, 97, of Wareham died Friday, July 14 at VA Boston Healthcare in Brockton after a long illness.  He was the husband of Mary L. (Bowler) Holmes.  

Born in Wareham, he was the son of the late Bradford V. and Olive (Haskins) Holmes.  

After leaving high school, Mr. Holmes went to work for Hammond Cranberries in Onset until his induction into the U.S. Army in January 1944. Three days after the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge, Mr. Holmes was captured and held as a German prisoner of war in Stalag IV-B, one of the largest P.O.W. camps in Germany.

Returning to Wareham, Mr. Holmes owned and operated Holmes Shell Service Station on Onset.  He was also a plow operator for the Town of Wareham, assistant harbormaster, and herring agent. More recently, he worked at Gone Bananas Army/Navy Surplus in Wareham.

In a ceremony held in Wareham on April 15, 2018, Mr. Holmes was presented with his P.O.W. medal by Congressman Bill Keating (D-9th District).

He is survived by his children, Richard W. Holmes of E. Freetown, Pamela J. Bond of Yulee, FL, Sally Anderson of E. Freetown, Kathleen Raymond of S. Middleboro and Bradford E. Holmes of Wareham.  Also survived by 12 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren.  He was predeceased by two children, the late Linda J. Crump and James B. Holmes; his siblings, the late William Holmes, Shirley Marchisio, Beverly Smith and Robert Holmes.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Sunday, July 23 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations — Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28), Wareham from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  A funeral service will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by interment in Mass. National Cemetery, Bourne.

For directions or to leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com