John P. Holloway

John P. Holloway, 72, of Dowagiac, Michigan, died Friday, September 9, 2011, at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan. John was born to Samuel and Johnnie B. (Mathews) Holloway, on June 10, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois. As a young man he attended Shiloh Academy, S.D.A., in Chicago. He served his country in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1961. He later attended the Metropolitan School of Tailoring, where he achieved the status of Master Custom Tailor in 1966. Using his skills as a tailor, he was employed by V.I.P. Men’s Clothing in Chicago for many years. On July 6, 1983, Mr. Holloway married the former Rita Watt in Dowagiac. John loved to fish and enjoyed visits with his children and grandchildren. He also loved supporting his children in their education and attended many graduations and family affairs. He also loved to talk politics. After settling the Dowagiac area, he was employed by Berrien County Juvenile Center in a supervisory position. He attended SMC and received his Associates Degree in Arts. He later earned his Bachelor of Science Degree. Continuing to use his educational background, he was later employed by the Cass County Sheriffs’ Department as a jailor. In addition, he served as a coordinator after construction of the new facility. John was employed by the Cass County Sheriff’s Department from 1987 – 1995. After retirement, he became a member of the Optimist Club of Dowagiac and later he served on the Dowagiac Transit Board. John leaves to mourn his passing, his wife of 28 years, Rita Holloway of Dowagiac and a blended family that includes Steve Holloway of Chicago, John Patrick Holloway, Jr. of Riverside, CA, Jason Holloway of Riverside, CA, Sam (Rebecca) Holloway of Chicago , Jennifer Holloway of Richton Park, IL, Phil (Corey) Holloway of Berwyn, IL, Sophia (Ali) Ona of Lansing, IL, Mathew Holloway of Chicago, Joanne Moore of Valencia, CA, Willie (Hope) Watt of Holland, MI, Rae Monte (Sharen) Harris of Chicago, five sisters Mary Jenkins of New Jersey, Barbara (C.B.) Williams of Austin, TX, Delores Waters of Lansing, MI, Betty Haskins of Houston, TX, Juanita Banks of Manassas, VA, two brothers David (Ronelle) Holloway of Mesa, AZ, and Raymond Holloway of Altadena, CA, 28 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and beloved sister in law Lucille Holloway. John is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Paul S. Holloway, Grant Holloway, two daughters Donna Watt Shivers and Debbie Watt and one grandson Daniel Shivers. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel and Saturday from 8 – 9 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church where services will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday led by Pastor Tyrone Pace. He will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the family. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of John at www.yazel-clark.com