E. Holmes Smart Jr.

Ernest Holmes Smart, Jr., 100, of Lafayette, Louisiana, passed away on March 7, 2026, at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center.

Born on May 21, 1925, in Lietchfield, Kentucky, Holmes graduated from Mt. Sterling High School in 1943 and from the University of Kentucky in 1949 with a B.S. in Geology. He served in the Navy during World War II. A resident of Lafayette since 1956, he enjoyed a long and fulfilling career in the oil industry, beginning with Gulf Oil in Houston before moving to Lake Charles and then Lafayette. He worked for several oil companies and as an independent geologist, and for the last 30 years served as a consulting geologist, often acting as an expert witness before the Louisiana Office of Conservation. He practiced for 70 years until declining eyesight and changes in the industry led him to retire. He often spoke of how blessed he felt to have found a profession that brought him to Lake Charles, where he met the love of his life, and allowed him to form many lasting friendships. For many years he could be found sharing lunch at the round tables of the Lafayette Petroleum Club with dear friends.

Holmes was preceded in death by his beloved wife and best friend of 56 years, Jean Aberle Smart; his parents, Ernest Holmes Smart, Sr. and Delyla West Smart; and his sister, Virginia Bramblet. He is survived by his sons, David Smart and his wife, Jennifer, and Thomas Smart; his daughter, Anna Howard and her husband, David; his grandchildren, Jordan Smart and his fiancée, Emilee Goss, Jennie Forbes and her husband, Chase, Samuel Garland and his fiancée, Kaycee Pickering, and Alexandra Howard; his great-grandchildren, Kendall Elizabeth Forbes and Grace Garrett Forbes; and his nieces and nephews, Lyla Ruth Brown, Bill Bramblet, Patrick Gallaugher, Jr., Kevin Gallaugher, Adele Gallaugher Wallace, and Michael Gallaugher.

A man shaped by his upbringing during the Great Depression and early work on the family farm, Holmes was known for his constant home improvement projects. He was a longtime member of Lafayette First Baptist Church and various professional organizations, and he served on the board of the Lafayette Petroleum Club. He remained actively involved in his children’s lives, supporting their sports, Boy Scouts, PTA, debate, and activities at Grand Coteau Academy of Sacred Heart. His family extends deep gratitude to Dr. Mike Alexander, Dr. James Dobbs and their staffs, the nurses and caregivers at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, and the compassionate team at Garden View Assisted Living for their dedicated care.