Gary R. Holmes, 74, of Franklin passed away on April 10, 2024 at UPMC Hamot, Erie, Pennsylvania with his family at his side.
Born on February 27, 1950, in Franklin, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Richard A. and Maxine E. (Sechler) Holmes.
Gary graduated from Franklin Area High School and after that, went to a trade school in Chicago to study mechanics.
He then joined the U.S. Army where he proudly served during the Vietnam War Era and was stationed in Alaska for 3 years as a welder.
After serving our country, he worked for Oil Well Supply for many years until the business closed.
He retired as an over-the-road truck driver for Shaffer Trucking.
Gary loved the great outdoors and could often be found hunting, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and gardening.
He would take his nieces, nephews, and great niece & nephews on his many excursions.
Thousands of miles were put on his bicycle on numerous biking trails across the Eastern United States.
He walked 8 miles every day until his health wouldn’t allow it.
Left to cherish his memory is his sister, Ellen L. Robbins and her husband, Rick, of Greenville, PA; his nieces and nephews, Laura Curl and her husband, Chad, of Cedar Rapids, IA, Erin Conley and her husband, Thomas, of Saxonburg, PA, Jonathan Holmes and his wife, Ma Villa, of Roanoke, VA, James Holmes of Princeton, WV; his special grand niece and nephew, Tyler and Sarah Conley of Saxonburg, PA and his sister-in-law, Nancy F. Holmes of Princeton, WV.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert “Bob” Holmes.
As per Gary’s wishes, no public services will be observe and arrangements for Gary are under the care of the Gardinier-Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, Pennsylvania.
Gary will be laid to rest with his parents at Old Sandy Cemetery.
Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Gary’s book of memories online at www.WarrenFH.com.
