Gary L. Holmes of Shawneetown

Gary L. Holmes, age 73, of Shawneetown, passed on this life Jan. 25, 2020 at his home after an extended illness.

Gary was born on Jan. 10, 1947 in Saline County to the late Norman and Peg (Sanders) Holmes.

Gary spent most of his younger years in and around Ridgway where he was raised. He graduated from Ridgway High School and was very active in athletics, especially basketball and baseball.

Gary served his country in the National Guard for many years.

On March 20, 1969 he married the love of his life, Sharon (Banks) Holmes, who survives.

Gary was a licensed barber, having a shop in Ridgway and Shawneetown for many years. He worked at Peabody Coal in Shawneetown and then managed the Ridgway Seed Co. for many years. He also worked for Browns Fertilizer before retiring.

He was an avid outdoorsman; his real loves were bass fishing and hunting, especially quail and deer. He was also known for his taxidermy work for many years.

Gary was a member of the Equality Masonic Lodge. He loved being around his friends and family, always having a smile or story to tell you or to kid you. He loved his grandkids and enjoyed the many pranks they played on him. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be missed by many.

Gary is survived by his wife, Sharon Holmes of Shawneetown; his daughter, Mandi Holmes Dial of Harrisburg; his son, Josh (Susie) Holmes of Shawneetown; two grandchildren, Grant and Hallie Holmes of Shawneetown; a sister, Norma (John) Scherrer of Alabama; and a niece, Cassie Scherrer.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by a brother, Terry Lynn Holmes.

Visitation for Gary will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020 at the Cox & Son Funeral Home in Ridgway. A Masonic rites service will follow the visitation at 7 p.m. by the Equality Masonic Lodge.

His funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020. He will be laid to rest in the Raleigh Masonic Cemetery. The Rev. Jack Hall will officiate. Military rites will be conducted at the grave site.

Memorial contributions in Gary's memory can be made to the donor's choice; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. You may leave a note of comfort or obtain a memorial gift at www.coxandson.com.