Matthew Wade Holmes

Funeral services for Matthew Wade Holmes, 53, of Kilgore will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 12, 2012, at First Baptist Church in Hawkins with Dr. Bill Holmes officiating. Interment will be the Hawkins Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Croley Funeral Home in Hawkins. Mr. Holmes passed away Friday, November 9, 2012 at his residence. Mr. Holmes was born September 19, 1959, in Quitman to Ray Thurman "Buster" and Bonzie Era Holmes. He was raised in Hawkins where he graduated from Hawkins High School. Soon after graduation he began his railroad career with Union Pacific Railroad, where he remained in engine service for 32 years. He was married to DeAnn Brown on May 14, 1994. Matt was an active member of the Patriot Guard Riders. He was a member of the Valkorye Riders Club of Texas and various other community groups. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, working on cars and spending time with his family. He is best known for his kind, loving and giving spirit. His community has honored his life with great respect since his prostate cancer diagnosis in July 2011. He is survived by his wife, DeAnn Holmes; sons, Matthew and Ryan; daughter Frances; and his daughter-in-law, Emily; siblings, Raymond Holmes of Mineola, Virginia Boling of Edgewood and Curtis Holmes of Hawkins. Mr. Holmes was preceded in death by his father and mother, Ray Thurman "Buster" and Bonzie Era Holmes. Pallbearers will be Edwin DeCora, Kelly Joy, John Allen, Montie Reed, Mark Seymore, Mark Hutchins, Glen Fulton and Lynn Dillard. Honorary pallbearers will be the Patriot Guard Riders. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, November 11, 2012 at Croley Funeral Home in Hawkins.