Manuel Joe Holmes

Manuel Joe Holmes was born on February 28th, 1950 in Tahlequah, OK, the son of Henry and Allene (Glory) Holmes. He was raised with three brothers and four sisters, Richard “Bud”, Henry, Tony, Joyce, Mildred, Evelyn, and Bonnie. Manuel finished his high school credit in Colorado and then later attended school at Northeastern State University for three years, specializing in Social Work. Manuel was always putting the needs of other people ahead of his own, and dedicated his life to helping individuals in AA, often conducting the meetings himself. On May 17th, 1986, he married his best friend and the love of his life, Allene Beaver in Cookson, OK. They loved life in each other’s company, and raised one son and six daughters, Gilbert, Stephanie, Savannah, Stacy, Kendra, Talia and Manuella. His family was the sweetest part of life. He loved every cookout, holiday dinner, family gatherings and events he ever attended. He loved people and especially the young people. You knew he was at the event when you heard “what’s up home girl/homeboy?” He worked his entire life at Greenleaf Nursery and got along well with all of his coworkers. When he wasn’t working, he kept his yard in pristine shape, always mowing. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of First Indian Baptist Church of Tahlequah. He read his Bible often and never failed to thank God for his daily blessings. He had one of the warmest personalities and the best laughs. He loved life and it showed. His health began to fail and he passed from this life on December 29th, 2022 in Tahlequah, OK, surrounded by those he loved. He was 72 years old and will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his mother, father, one sister, Joyce James, one grandson, Curtis Glory and his canine sidekick, Caesar “Ceda”.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Allene Holmes of the home, and his children, Gilbert Holmes of Tahlequah, Stephanie Holmes of Bunch, Savannah Compton and husband Charles of Tulsa, Stacy Stayathome and companion Edward Bolin of Tahlequah, Kendra Chuculate and husband Rodney of Tahlequah, Talia Poafpybitty of Bunch, and Manuella Jo Sams of Tulsa. He leaves his brothers and sisters, Richard “Bud” Holmes and wife Linda Sue of Bunch, Henry Holmes Jr. of Tahlequah, Tony Jones and wife Anna of Stilwell, OK, Mildred Bolin and husband Dean of Bunch, Evelyn Holmes of Houston, TX, and Bonnie Jones of Tahlequah and Brother in-law Pete James of Salina and his stepmother, Becky Holmes. Manuel lives on in his 13 grandchildren, Jeremy Poafpybitty, Jory Poafpybitty, Dalton Poafpybitty, Shaylyn Holmes, Kyla Holmes, Robbie Holmes, Kristie Holmes, Chanenna Bolin, Contessa Scott and husband Stephen, Deon Bolin, Kierra Bolin and Treyton Chuculate, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones too numerous to mention.

Funeral services for Manuel Joe Holmes will be conducted on Friday, January 6th, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Reed-Culver Chapel with Pastor Rodney Chuculate officiating. He will be laid to rest at Barber Cemetery in the Barber Community. Pallbearers for Manuel include Trey Chuculate, Deon Bolin, Jeremy “Dipsy’ Poafpybitty, Shannon “Short Man” Beaver, Josh “Hax” Holmes, and Little Chris Holmes. His honorary pallbearers include Dakota “Sokie” Buckhorn, Jerome Tsosie, and louis “Bull” Sanders”.

His family will receive visitors on Thursday, January 5th, 2023 beginning at 2:00 Pm until 6:00 Pm at Reed-Culver Funeral Home. Online condolences for his family may be left at www.reedculver.com.