Obituaries

January 15, 1952 to September 21, 2024

SOUTH BEND - Joseph Kevin “Joe” Holmes, 72, South Bend (formerly of Winamac), passed away Sept. 21.

He was born Jan. 15, 1952 to Bert and Rosemary Holmes in his hometown of Winamac. He graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1970 where he fondly remembered helping his basketball team win their sectional championship in his senior year. He attended Indiana State University where he enjoyed intramural sports and a multitude of other activities with his Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity brothers.

Joe Holmes

He is survived by his wife Marcia, sister Pamela (Pat) Patrick, brother-in-law Randy (Cindy) King, children Jeanne (Nick) Foster, Kyle Wilson, Jennifer (Brian) Chance, and Joni (Ivan) Balicky. Also surviving are nieces and a nephew, and grandchildren Noah Wilson, Brooklyn Foster, Jasmine Foster, Gabriel Wilson, Braedyn Foster, Olivia Balicky, Peyton Harris, Lucas Balicky, Kenzie Foster, Eli Harris, Kameron Foster, Abel Wilson, Thaddeus Wilson, Kaylie Balicky and Claire Balicky. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Ronnie and Silva Holmes, his father- and mother-in-law Edsel and Nell King, and brother-in-law Jeffrey King.

Mr. Holmes was naturally athletic and very competitive. Although he didn’t raise his dream basketball team in his kids, he enjoyed living out his glory days with his grandkids. He enjoyed seeing people laugh and used his sarcastic sense of humor to get a smile out of anyone he talked to. A well-respected man of God and a prayer warrior for his family and friends, he expressed often that he was “blessed and highly favored.”

A time of visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a 12 noon celebration of life service Saturday, Sept. 28, at Winamac Nazarene Church with Rev. Paul Commons officiating.

Palmer Funeral Home, Guisinger Chapel, in South Bend is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the Holmes Family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.