Douglas Jay Holmes

Douglas Jay Holmes passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025, at home surrounded by his family after battling pancreatic cancer. Doug was always there for his family and friends. He was adored by his wife, children and grandchildren, and they were able to be with him in his final moments. Throughout their nearly 20 year marriage she was always his loving wife, and he was her loving husband. He always took the time to show April how much she meant to him, and loved her deeply, all the way through their final minutes together.

Doug was the life of the party and made many long-lasting friendships. He was a friendly and outgoing man, and almost everyone he made contact with was a new friend.

The first time he laid eyes on April working at The Lounge, he knew she was the one. Their first date was at the Rialto Theater - with the kids. He opened every door for them (he would never allow a woman to open the door) and paid for everything. One of his proudest moments was when they became man and wife (and Dad…and Papa).

After earning his GED and some college, Doug joined the US Army in March of 1983. He served for five years, training as a Medical Specialist before he was discharged in February 1988. After the Army, he taught himself how to weld.

Doug had many interests, including camping, hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed gardening and BBQs, and spending time with family and friends. Doug and April were also deeply involved in darts and have made life-long friends in that community.

Dad was always protective, strong, and dedicated to providing for and supporting his family. He was never afraid to stick up for those he loved, and he would not allow anyone to talk bad or put down those he loved – especially his wife, April.

He was so proud the day he stepped up to be a dad to kids that needed him, (because that's the kind of man he was), and getting to marry the love of his life.

I will always remember getting all ready for the father-daughter dates and dances - we had so much fun. Dad continued to show love for his friends and family to the very end.

Love, Nevaeh

Dad was unapologetically himself. He always had a shoulder to lean on, and had a joke for everything! He loved hunting, fishing, darts, and being a bad m-fer. He especially loved spending time with his kids, grandkids, and the love of his life. He was very proud of making such a strong beautiful family.

I will never forget the daddy-daughter dances at the Sheepherder’s Fair, rocking out to ‘Bad to the Bone’ – it felt like we were the only two people in the world. I’ll only ever have one Papa Bear, and I hope he is at peace.

Love, Melissa

Dad was strong, and always there when we needed him, no matter the size of the task. He was ornery – he told you how it was and never sugar coated anything.

He loved darts, camping, fishing, and I will always remember those trips with him. We had some really good times. I’m going to miss dad standing at the grill with a beer and cigarette.

He was truly proud of his family, especially the day he got to adopt me and my baby sister Naveah, and marry the love of his life. He was a great dad and even more amazing Papa.

Love, Trevor

Doug is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 19 years, April Holmes, three children; Melissa, Trevor (Marissa), and Nevaeh (Zach), and five grandchildren; Maddison, Harper, Mikey, Nicholie, and Clyde, his brother Donald (Jennifer) of AZ, sister Kathy of AZ, and brother Jerry (Sharon) of CA. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, grandparents, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and cousins.

Doug’s Memorial Service is on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Bustard’s Funeral Home at 1:00pm, with a reception to follow at the VFW, 1800 Bryan Stock Trail.