Lester Earl Holmes

Lester Earl Holmes, born on February 27, 1943, in Casper, Wyoming, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on March 12, 2026, at the age of 83.

A man of quiet strength and dedication, Lester served his country with distinction as a United States Army Ranger. After his military service, he built a successful career as an engineer, first with Chromcraft and later with Parker Hannifin Corporation, where his inventive spirit led to several patents. He approached his work with the same meticulous care he brought to everything in life.

Lester found great joy in fishing and building model airplanes, hobbies that reflected his patience, precision, and love of the outdoors. Above all, he cherished his family. He shared 62 devoted years with his wife, Genella Holmes. He is survived by his children Tessa Pickle and her husband Wes, Tony Holmes, Kevin Holmes and his wife Kim, and Jeffery Holmes, as well as his sister Sharron Eshelman, brothers Gail Holmes, Melvin Holmes, Billy McDowell and his wife Mary Lynn, and Glenn McDowell and his wife Becky. He took special delight in his grandchildren Mikki Holmes, Justin Holmes and his wife Jourdan, John Louis Pickle and his wife Zoie, and Anniston Whitfield and her husband Sam, and his great-grandchildren Caden, Eli, AnnaGrace, Hadley, Ginny Claire, and Joseph Brantley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Holmes and Leola McDowell, brothers Douglas Holmes and Paul Blaise, and sister Brenda Sizemore. Lester’s legacy of service, integrity, and deep familial love will continue to live on in all those who knew and loved him.