Richard Darnel Holman

Richard “Rick” Darnel Holman, loving husband, Dad and Papa, was born on September 18, 1941 in Dearborn, Michigan. He was the youngest of two boys, born to Bellamy and LaVerne “Edna” Holman of Ledbetter, KY.

Rick was called home to be with the Lord on May 2nd 2022. Although unexpected, he passed peacefully at the Stoneleigh Residence (Lansing), where he was surrounded by his loving family. A humorous, grateful, and hardworking man, Rick kept his wit and charm, making friends, cracking jokes and providing strong handshakes right until the end.

Rick was born and raised in Dearborn where he grew up with a deep love for family and Detroit sports. As a kid, he enjoyed traveling to Tigers (Briggs) Stadium for double headers and playing endless sandlot baseball games with some of Detroit’s finest, future Tigers in the class D League. He graduated from Edsel Ford High School in Dearborn, Michigan and after high school, attended Henry Ford Community College where he earned an associate degree in electrical engineering.

After college, Rick was stationed in Wadena, Minnesota in the 1960’s where he proudly served in the US Air Force. He served on the 343nd combat support squadron where he was responsible for radar maintenance and monitoring the aircraft space. Here, he also earned his pilot’s license and developed a lifelong love for traveling and aviation. While in the Air Force, Rick continued to excel at baseball, and was selected to play for the Minnesota Twins minor league team. As a left-handed pitcher, he was known for his fierce bat and his exceptional ability to pick-off runners at first base.

Rick was a proud employee of the Eastman Kodak Company where he had a distinguished 35-year career in the Digital Medical Technology Field. A lifelong learner, even after his retirement from Kodak, he decided to attend Lansing Community College where he earned another degree in Heating and Cooling. He then took up secondary careers, keeping busy with landscaping and serving as a bus driver for the Lansing School District.

After marrying his loving wife Pamela in 1981, they settled in Dewitt, Michigan and built a beautiful life. Out of all his accomplishments, his family was the most important to him. He worked extremely hard to provide for his family and made sure to never miss a single event for his 5 children: Kyleea, Kerry, Rick, Monica and Ashley. From band concerts to baseball games, you name it, he was there cheering them on as their biggest fan. He found education, loyalty, and hard work to be of the utmost importance and instilled these values in his children. His deep love for his family extended to his grandkids and his family in Grand Rapids and Kentucky. He was happiest when he was with them, sharing big hugs and hearty laughs.

Rick enjoyed the outdoors, traveling, social gatherings and was a proud member of the American Legion Post 205. He made lifelong friends wherever he went, including his high school friends, adult hockey, bowling and golf leagues. He loved animals and had an especially strong bond with his many, beloved dogs.

While we will deeply miss our husband, Dad and Papa, we know he is in Heaven, dancing to Motown music, rooting for the Tigers and watching over his family and friends.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Pamela; children, Kerry Sheaffer, Rick (Christy) Holman, Monica (Peter) Politi and Ashley Holman; grandchildren, Justin (Michelle) Sheaffer, Alexandra Sheaffer, Taylor (Nathan) Clark, Harrison Sheaffer, Ethan Holman, Jaxon Sheaffer, Levi Holman, Caleb Holman, Peter Politi IV, Ayanna Barr, Brock Politi and Macyn Politi; great-grandson, Jeton Sheaffer; sisters and brothers, Sondra Holman, Bev & Chuck Williams, and David Garn. In addition, he is survived by many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Rick is predeceased by his daughter, Kyleea O’Connor; grandsons, Ryland O’Connor and Noah Holman; father, Bellamy Holman; mother, Edna Holman; brother, Harold Holman; nephew, Mike Holman and many special cousins and friends.

Services for Rick will be held on Thursday, May 12th at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home in DeWitt, MI.

• 2:00 - 4:00pm - Visitation

• 4:00 - 5:00pm - Service and 21 Gun Salute

• 5:00 - 6:00pm - Reception and Food

Family and friends are also welcomed to join us on Friday, May 13th at 1:30pm, as we lay Rick to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, MI.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Lansing, 3186 Pine Tree Rd., Suite 1, Lansing, MI 48911, Stoneleigh Residence, 3411 Stoneleigh Dr., Lansing, MI 48910 or Disabled American Veterans, 2949 S. Waverly Highway, Lansing, MI 48917.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grdewitt.com for the Holman family.