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In memory of

Robert Edward Holmes

Houston

September 26, 1959 - October 31, 2019

Sep 26, 1959 - Oct 31, 2019

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Robert Edward “Bob” Holmes, devoted husband, dedicated father, brother, son and loyal friend passed away on Thursday morning, October 31, 2019.

Bob and his wife, travel partner and closest confidant, Kelly Campbell Holmes, were married 22 years. He and his two daughters, Sydney Holmes (28) and Samantha Holmes (20), bonded over their love of sports, Texas and Dean Martin over the course of his life. All three of his girls loved him dearly and kept him on his toes until his unexpected passing.

Always the storyteller, Bob came to be known for regaling house guests and partygoers with tales of his upbringing in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, alongside his four brothers and sisters, his time as a stagecoach driver and ranger in Yellowstone National Park, and his joyful days raising his two daughters. Many who knew him had heard a number of these stories a time or two. Sometimes three.

Bob played college football at Gustavus Adolphus College -- he claims to have played every position, though no one can truly fact check – and dedicated all his fandom exclusively to the Green Bay Packers. He loved playing football, but was also very focused on his studies – a determination he passed onto his children via nights at the dinner table making flashcards. He earned a Bachelors degree as well as a Masters degree in Science and Physical Education.

Bob left the North in 1989 and moved to Houston, Texas. He and wife-to-be, Kelly, both attended the same bible study class at Second Baptist Church. They met at a card-playing event where attendees were separated into a good players and bad players table. They were both at the bad players table – the perfect set up for love. Kelly says Bob relentlessly pursued her after that though, again, no one can truly fact check.

The two married in 1997, and Bob adopted his daughter Sydney the same year. His second daughter, Samantha, was born in 1999.

In his later years, Bob would go on to travel the world with his job, living in Bulgaria, Iraq, Kenya and Turkey. In celebration of his 60th birthday, he and Kelly recently took the trip of a lifetime to Ireland, England and Scotland to see the Highland Games.

Bob was a fixer, constantly tinkering in the garage or overcomplicating a very simple household task. He was an Eagle Scout and loved putting his resourcefulness and handiness on full display. He grew up in a large and loving family, and the tenets of his mid-Western values stayed with him all his life. All who met Bob knew he put his family above all else, and was dedicated to loving them all as fully as possible until the day he went to be with his Lord and Savior.

Bob is survived by his wife, Kelly Campbell Holmes; daughters, Sydney and Samantha Holmes; father, William “Bill” Holmes; sisters, Cindy (Paul) Carlson, Susan (Roger) Flessing; brother, John Holmes; mother-in-law, Bonnie Hart; father-in-law, John Campbell; sister-in-law, Melody (Don) Longhofer; brother-in-law, John (Aimee) Campbell; his 10 nieces and nephews.

Bob is preceded in death by his mother, Margaret “Peg” Holmes; brother, Michael (Peggy) Holmes.

A funeral service commemorating Bob’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, officiated by Dr. Ben Young at Hankamer Chapel at Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway Drive. All are invited to the family’s home after the service for a reception and further celebration.

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