West Allis veteran killed in motorcycle crash to be remembered by family with vigil

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A family is remembering a local Navy veteran whose life was cut short too soon.

Thirty-two-year-old John Holman was killed in a motorcycle crash Monday morning, Sept. 6, in West Allis.

It happened at the the intersection of South 84th and West Lincoln Avenue, not far from his home.

Police said the 40-year-old driver of the car ignored a traffic light before colliding into Holman, who was going northbound on 84th.

"Man, John was outgoing, caring, compassionate about everything and anything he did. He always saw the best in people," said John's father, Bill Holman.

Bill said his son served nearly 10 years in the Navy, even being deployed on anti-piracy operations.

He said John was a dedicated family man.

"First and foremost he's leaving behind his wife and his two beautiful children," said Bill, "Both young daughters."

As well as his parents and siblings.

Bill said John was always the life of the party.

"He does make everybody laugh. That's what he was. He was always joking," said Bill, "And, you know, there were times where he was serious too. And it's like he was compassionate, like I said before, he was compassionate about what he believed in."

Bill said John got the motorcycle he was riding just last weekend, and spent the day with him working on it, the last time Bill got to spend quality time with his son.

"It wasn't enough," said Bill.

Wednesday night, starting at around 5:30, people will be gathering to remember John, riding from his home over to the accident site, and then to Humboldt Park.

"We'll be going down to Humboldt Park by the beer garden where him and his wife were married, for a candlelight vigil."

West Allis police said they're investigating the crash, and said the driver who didn't seem to be impaired at the time, is cooperating with police.