Gary L. Holmes Jr.

Mar 24, 1972 - Dec 12, 2023

Marblehead

Gary L. Holmes Jr., 51, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, ast home with his wife and daughter lovingly by his side. This followed a courageous 14-month battle with brain cancer.

Gary was born March 24, 1972, in Port Clinton, the son of Gary L. Holmes Sr. and birth mother, Denise Edwards. He was the eldest sibling to Thomas Holmes (Katrina) of Lakewood, Rebecca Holmes of Marblehead, and Heather Holmes of Port Clinton. He grew up in Marblehead and graduated from Danbury High School in 1990.

Gary is survived by his wife, Carrie L. Holmes; daughter, Hailey Holmes; siblings; in-laws, Dennis and Linda Berhent; many nieces and nephews; and longtime friends, Pete Tietjen and Jeff Dobrowolski.

He was preceded in death by his son, Garrett Benjamin Holmes (2014); and father, Gary Holmes Sr. (2019).

In 1991, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Carrie L. Berhent, and joined U.S. Army, 10th Mountain Division, stationed at Fort Drum in Watertown, New York, and Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington. His unit served in Cuba, stateside, and engaged in combat in Somalia. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1997 and returned to Ohio. For over 25 years, Gary worked at Wolff Brothers in Sandusky who will be dedicating their expansion in his honor.

An avid green thumb, Gary enjoyed summers spent gardening and landscaping. He found peace in the natural beauty he created and did so with birds and local pollinators in mind. A thoughtful person, Gary also planted memorial trees for friends and family who'd passed. In the fall, Gary could be found watching college football (GO BUCKS) with close friends and Army buddies. A known homebody, Gary cherished little moments joking over morning coffee with his wife and daughter. All will dearly miss his generous heart and strength.

In typical Gary style, he requested no formal funeral. As winter gives way to spring sunshine, a private celebration of life with military honors will take place to commemorate his warm and lively spirit. Details will be posted on the funeral home website.

Condolences and donations can be made to Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home, where funds will be used for a memorial honoring Gary's military service.

Awareness on military burn pits can be found at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/burn-pits.html.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sandusky Register on Dec. 22, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Holmes

Sponsored by Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Peninsula Funeral Home.

4 Entries

Emily Henneman

December 25, 2023

Gary was a good man who loved hard and was loved by so many. He cherished his family and loved fiercely. I still remember when by dad would give me a joke to say to him and he would laugh and laugh, not because it was funny but because a kid was telling him a dumb joke. That is a memory I will carry with me always. I am glad to have known him and will truly miss him.

Pete Tietjen

December 22, 2023

You are truly missed my brother. I will always cherish and value our friendship and brotherhood we had. We were able to get each other through the tough times we faced together. After conducting combat operations I was always happy to see you in one piece. In the back of my mind I worried for you.
I know the love you had for your family. Carrie, Hailey, Garrett, Big Gary, Kay, Tommy, Bek, and Heather. You were proud of your nieces and nephews. You were the Lion in your family and didnt show weakness. You did not want the loved ones in your life to worry about you.

As a friend i couldnt have asked for a more loyal, trustworthy person. I have so many good memories with you and your family. These memories still make me laugh during the grieving process. Your story will continue to be told as long as I am around my brother.

From the staff of Neidecker, Leveck & Crosser Funeral Home Funeral Home

December 22, 2023

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Oak Harbor Chapel Oak Harbor Chapel

December 21, 2023

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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