Ronald Eugene Holmes

Born on February 27, 1937 in Kansas City, Kansas, to Juanita (Bluford) Macklin and raised by Alma and Jess Holmes, he studied Engineering and Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma with his sight on becoming an architect. He left the university to answer a different calling, and joined the United States Marine Corps serving three tours of duty in Vietnam.

He earned multiple awards during his twenty-six plus years of service. Honors include; the Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation. Other medals and commendations were, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Certificate of Commendation, Letter of Appreciation, Meritorious Mast, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Certificate of Achievement, Certificate of Congratulations, M-14 (Rifle)(Expert), and .45 (Pistol)(Sharp Shooter). While performing his military duties, he also coached the Marine Basketball All-Stars team where he led them to many championships. He retired from the service as Marine 1st Sergeant in June of 1982, settling his family in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Resting on his laurels was not Ronald’s style. Following his departure from the military, he re-enrolled in college at IPFW, focusing on History and Education. Upon graduation, he taught Government and History for twenty-five years at FWCS South Side High School, and later he obtained his Master’s Degree and became the department head. He took on coaching the freshman basketball team at Concordia Lutheran High School and later became an Assistant Coach of the Varsity Team. He also served the area as an organizer in the summer basketball league for Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation.

Ronald’s influence and teachings are more far reaching than he may have realized. He touched the lives of his students, even the one he made carry their desk to the principal’s office, colleagues, his friends, and especially his family. He was a true force of nature that nurtured and encouraged as well as challenged.

Ronald was a man who believed in hard work and pushing beyond perceived limits to reach goals otherwise though unattainable. He believed in the potential of others to become more than who or what they thought. He enjoyed watching them spread their wings and fly. Ronald was many things to many people. He was a coach, a counselor. He was a cheerleader or a drill sergeant. He was a teacher, a mentor, a friend, and a colleague. For his family, he was their cornerstone…the anchor that kept them grounded when the world became chaotic. He was the bastion of safety and security. He was their home base. He was their center.

He will be missed by many, but especially by his wife of forty-five years, Claire "Cookie", his children, Terry, Joyce, and Michelle, his grandchildren, Automne, Victoria, Andrew, Malorie, Trey, Adrian, Clarissa, Cameron, Miyah, and Maddax, and his seven great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service is 5pm on Sunday, December 9, 2018 at Hockemeyer and Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Rd., Fort Wayne, with calling three hours prior. Calling will also be 6-8pm on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at the funeral home. Committal Service will be 10:00am on Monday, December 10, 2018 at Marion National Cemetery, 1700 E 38th St., Marion, Indiana, 46953. Hockemeyer and Miller Funeral Home kindly requests that if you would like to attend the Committal Service at Marion National Cemetery, please arrive to Hockemeyer and Miller Funeral Home at 8:15am on Monday, December 10, 2018. We will process from the funeral home to the cemetery at that time. Memorials may be made to Doctor Otis Bowen Veteran House, Marine Toys for Tots, or to the Holmes' Family c/o Claire Holmes. For online condolences, please visit www. hockemeyermillerfh.com.