Frederick "Fred" Allen Holmes

Frederick "Fred" Allen Holmes of Hesperia, MI passed away peacefully with his loved ones by his side, Sunday, April 2, 2023,at the age of 86.  Fred was born on November 7, 1936, in Detroit, to proud parents, Bert and Hazel (Roberts) Holmes, and grew up on Winthrop Street as the baby brother to siblings Ed, Shirley and Don.

Fred graduated Detroit Cody High School in 1955 and shortly after enlisted in the U.S. Army in October of that year. He received his basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, and stationed shortly at Fort Lee, VA. Landing with the 215th Q.M. Petroleum Supply Co. in Baumholder, Germany, Fred had outstanding marksmanship skills and received various awards and plaques for Company and Battalion rifle range competitions that he won. He played second base on the company baseball team and that love for baseball continued throughout his life. 

After his Army service, Fred returned home, had two awesome children (Kimberly and Todd) with his then wife, Patricia. We fondly remember Dad taking the time to coach us in little league baseball and softball games and taking us to Tiger Stadium for a major league ballgame. Fred started a career with RCA and became the Parts Manager running a tight ship and keeping the crew caffeinated with fresh brewed morning Maxwell House (.25 cents a cup!) and the Techs loaded up with the right parts. RCA in Livonia was a great fit, making many lifelong work buddies, co-workers, friends and meeting his sweetheart of 46 years, Christine. 

During the 1980's, Fred took a part time, second job at Shepherd Drugs working with teenagers Kim and Todd.  He took pride running the liquor counter and talking shop with the neighborhood regulars. Eventually, RCA Factory Service was bought out by General Electric and change was in the air. Fred retired in 1992 and had a lovely home on Joy Rd. in Livonia with Christine and their dog, Max. He kept busy wood working, gardening and making our favorite chocolate treats every Christmas. In the summer, he still enjoyed a round of golf and always following Detroit Tigers games with the sounds of Ernie Harwell. At this time, Fred and Christine started planning and made their dream home come true in 1999 up north in Hesperia, MI. 

Fred and Christine planned it out to the max! Beautiful ranch estate with pole barn, long concrete driveway, three car attached garage and full basement. Fred and Christine loved their new home and enjoyed having friends and family visit and spending time with his awesome grandchildren (Ian, Sydney). The annual Fremont Lake cabin at the Dunn Inn Resort was always a great time in the summer for the whole family.   

Dad enjoyed doing yard work, landscaping, taking walks on his property in the woods, down by the river, mowing the lawn, tinkering in the pole barn, feeding the birds and enjoying an ice cold beverage on the front porch with Christine. At home, that's where he wanted to be and he enjoyed every minute of it! 

Fred is survived by his: sweetheart, Christine; children Kim Naccashian, Todd (Sue) Holmes; grandchildren, Ian and Sydney; and adorable grand dogs, Sandy and Vegas. Fred will be remembered as a gentle, kind hearted, hard working and giving man. We invite everyone who knew him to keep Fred's spirit alive in your hearts. We love you, Dad! 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Fred's name to Tunnels to Towers Foundation at T2T.org. Fred's final resting place will be Assumption Cemetery in Rothbury, MI.

Cremation has taken place, a private ceremony will take place at a later date.

The Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.

www.harrisfhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frederick "Fred" Allen Holmes, please visit our floral store.