Thomas H. Holmes is now in Heaven! In recent months we had begun navigating the devastating journey of Alzheimer’s with him. At 86, he was still working at Home Depot, completing the daily crossword puzzle (in ink!), faithfully attending church, corresponding with his colleagues from his computer days in Silicon Valley and friends from his years riding motorcycles and flying airplanes, and loving life on Davis Island where his grandkids and great-grandkids frequently visited “Pop the Great” and “Gigi.” Happiest when he was busy helping others, he worked a full shift at Home Depot on Saturday, then came home for his usual nap. Shortly afterwards, his heart simply stopped. We are deeply saddened by this sudden loss, but we take comfort in knowing he is now whole in body and mind, free from all pain, and rejoicing with Jesus.
Tom Holmes met Carol Sue Spangler in Sunday School and were together since they were 16 and 14. She really does not know a life outside of life with him. Married for 65 years there was no Tom without Carol and no Carol without Tom. It was and will always be “Tommy and Carol Sue.”
Our family is planning a “Celebration of Life” service later this fall when those of us who knew and loved him can gather together, share warm memories and our best “Tom Holmes” stories, and honor the legacy that he leaves us all. As one of his flying friends from the National Aeronca Association so aptly put it, “Tom has made his final flight heading west, and he will be missed!”
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.