Gary Richard Holmes
February 27, 1950 ~ April 10, 2024
Born in: Franklin, Pennsylvania
Gary R. Holmes, 74, of Franklin passed away on April 10, 2024 at UPMC Hamot, Erie, Pennsylvania with his family at his side.
Born on February 27, 1950, in Franklin, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Richard A. and Maxine E. (Sechler) Holmes.
Gary graduated from Franklin Area High School and after that, went to a trade school in Chicago to study mechanics.
He then joined the U.S. Army where he proudly served during the Vietnam War Era and was stationed in Alaska for 3 years as a welder. After serving our country, he worked for Oil Well Supply for many years until the business closed. He retired as an over the road truck driver for Shaffer Trucking.
Gary loved the great outdoors and could often be found hunting, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and gardening. He would take his nieces, nephews, and great niece & nephews on his many excursions. Thousands of miles were put on his bicycle on numerous biking trails across the Eastern United States. He walked 8 miles every day until his health wouldn't allow it.
Left to cherish his memory is his sister, Ellen L. Robbins and her husband, Rick, of Greenville, PA; his nieces and nephews, Laura Curl and her husband, Chad, of Cedar Rapids, IA, Erin Conley and her husband, Thomas, of Saxonburg, PA, Jonathan Holmes and his wife, Ma Villa, of Roanoke, VA, James Holmes of Princeton, WV; his special grand niece and nephew, Tyler and Sarah Conley of Saxonburg, PA and his sister-in-law, Nancy F. Holmes of Princeton, WV.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert "Bob" Holmes.
As per Gary's wishes, no public services will be observe and arrangements for Gary are under the care of the Gardinier-Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, Pennsylvania.
Gary will be laid to rest with his parents at Old Sandy Cemetery.
Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Gary’s book of memories online at www.WarrenFH.com.
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Gary was a close friend and wonderful neighbor. Always kind and helpful to everyone. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace my friend
I still remember the rubber band battles we had while our parents were playing cards. It was great fun!!
To the surviving family of Gary Holmes,
Courtney and I would like to extend our deepest and most heart-felt condolences to the family of Gary
Holmes. The world has lost one of its most kind, caring, and generous men.
We have had the pleasure of knowing Gary since the spring of 2015 when we moved in next door. Little
did we know how much the man next door would impact our lives and touch our hearts. His caring
nature and genuine personality earned the hearts of our four children. The kids treasured speaking with
Gary when he was outside, often telling him about school, their animals, and their little adventures.
The children have been praying for him every single night ever since he broke his leg last year. As a
father, one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do is break my children’s hearts by telling them
that their friend has passed away and is with God in Heaven. They will forever carry a part of him with
them.
Gary proudly shared with us access to his property, for which we will be eternally grateful. His
generosity has helped us to instill in our children the importance of being connected to nature. Gary
blessed us with the opportunity to hunt, raise our own pigs, forage blueberries, engage in nature hikes,
catch crayfish, and expand our garden. Gary was especially fond of the purple top turnips that we grew.
We spent so many summer evenings talking about the garden and admiring the flowers. He had such a
talent for growing beautiful flowers.
Gary leaves behind a legacy of generosity and goodwill that will continue to inspire and uplift those who were touched by his warmth and kindness. We are so honored and privileged to have known such a
great man. The nine years we knew Gary will never be long enough, but he’s left us with memories we
will forever remember.
May you find solace in the cherished memories you shared with Gary, and may his spirit continue to live
on in the hearts of all who knew him.
With deepest sympathy,
The Taggart family
Christopher, Courtney, Josiah, Ezra, Eleanor, and Elijah