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Wayne Holmes Obituary
Wayne Holmes departed this life on September 26, 2014, at his home on the banks of Crane Creek surrounded by family and his loving wife of sixty years, Mary Lou. He was born June 19, 1930 in Gaylord, Kan., to Clay and Geneva Holmes.
After graduating from Aurora High School, Wayne served in the Navy for four years. After he returned, he and Mary Lou Wiley were married and started a family. He obtained a B.S. degree in English at SMS and then taught English, speech and coached football at Aurora. He moved his family to Webster Groves and taught high school English for a few years, then taught college English and literature at Cottey College for two years. During this time he obtained his masters in English at Missouri University. He began teaching at Drury College in 1967 where he was an esteemed professor of English and American literature, creative writing, and Ozarks' folklore at Drury College for twenty four years. In addition to their teaching occupations, Wayne and Mary Lou spent many years raising cattle, sheep, goats, mules, horses, dogs and rabbits on their 630 acre farm in Barry County.
Wayne was an extraordinary story teller and writer and well known for his knowledge of Ozarks culture and folklore, much of which he wrote about in a memoir of his life growing up during the depression, titled "Rocky Comfort". In recent years he completed his revised essay on Shakespeare's play Othello, titled "And She Gave Him a Desdemonial," outlining his evidence that the play has long been misinterpreted.
He is survived by wife Mary Lou and their four children: Laura (Gerald) Evans, Clay Holmes, Marty (Kevin) Corcoran, and Karen (Leroy) Schaefer. They have seven grandchildren: Jackson Holmes, Lacey Holmes Wapp, Emily Austin, Steve Schaefer, Chris Schaefer, Nathaniel Schaefer, and Cody Corcoran. They have five great-grandchildren: Lyla Holmes, Sophie Holmes, Aiden Schaefer, Jaymeson Wapp, and soon to come baby Phoenix. Wayne was preceded in death by his brother Fred Holmes and sister Wanda Matthews. He is survived by his brother Jay and his wife Carol Holmes, sisters Joyce Van Nortwick, Jean Shade and her husband Don, and their extended families. He also leaves behind special cousins Ben Johnston and his wife Mary, Johnny Holmes and his wife Nancy, and Carol Webb, and their extended families. Many more family and friends are also remembered fondly. Special thanks to Jay and Carol for their unending support and love for Wayne and the many nights of Rook and pie, which brought him much pleasure, especially in the last year of his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association. A memorial is planned for October 12, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Drury University's Stone Chapel. Visitation will follow the memorial.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Holmes
Jim Pelletier
September 30, 2024
Wayne led a life similar to that of Mark Twain. Both revealed a slice of Americana.
James Pelletier
June 28, 2024
My Mother, Lenola Deal Pelletier was born and raised in Rocky Comfort, Mo. Although a few years younger she also lived in the Ozarks during the Great Depression as Wayne. She kept a diary of some of those years describing the same world Wayne did in his book. I have custody (to be passed down) of her diary and a copy of 'Rocky Comfort'. When I read both, I find a unique time and place. So sad that I can't discuss both with Wayne. My Mom, (who died in 2008) would've also enjoyed talking to him. Marriage took Lenola Deal out of the Ozarks to Boston where her seven children would kid her for saying "turn loose" and we would say, "No. Its 'let go'. Condolence to the Wayne Holmes Family. I'd be happy to hear from his siblings and children to swap stories.
Chris Bynum
December 1, 2023
Wayne Holmes was wonderful teacher and fantastic story teller. He enriched everyone who experienced him
James Berger
April 13, 2020
Mr. Holmes had a significant influence on my life as the result of being a high school English student of his in Webster Groves, Missouri in the early 1960s'. He made the study of literature literally come alive---and the story telling---growing up in the Ozarks; his experiences in the military service; being a college student at SMS----and I could go on and on. He connected---and taught---and students learned. I went to SMS as a result of his influence---majored in political science (which reveals to every one that I have absolutely no life time skills). Ran in to him later in Springfield---when he was plying his trade at Drury---a conversation that I thoroughly enjoyed. Then again many years later by telephone (2 1/2 hours) after watching a PBS special on 'Fire and Ice'---
In our very brief lifetime contact as his student I feel privileged that he was a part of my lifetime journey.
Susan Bynum Love
October 20, 2014
So sad to hear of Wayne's death. I have many memories of him; at the goat roasts, in class; around campus and while babysitting Jack. Praying for his family.
October 12, 2014
We will always treasure our visit with you and Wayne this last spring at your home by the creek. We know how much you both loved your home and its surroundings and how proud you were of it. Our prayers are that you will be comforted by all of the memories you shared. Lee and Beverly Hancock
Darrel and Donita Reid
October 12, 2014
Our prayers and thoughts are with all the family. So very sorry for your lost.
October 11, 2014
While a student at Drury, I took several courses with Mr. Holmes, all but one of them presented as evening classes. In those two or three hour sessions, he pushed our thinking, goaded us gently, and revealed himself selflessly---as all good teachers will do. I recall the first course, a study of Southern authors and the land, when he 'tested' his audience, asking if anyone even knew what a "shoat" was. Although I was a rather timid eighteen year old, I was, after all,a farm girl. I sat up straight and said, "Yes, indeed." He smiled, nodded, and from that day forward became my advocate. His ability to open the literature by evoking the sense of place and its spirit ---well, it has never left me. For thirty years, I have taught English, and I never offer my students a story by Welty or O'Connor, or travel with the Bundrens to bury Addie, without thinking of Wayne Holmes' instruction. Thank you, Mr. Holmes. I will always remember you with deep fondness and much appreciation.
John & Culah Nixon
October 10, 2014
We've lost a good friend and a treasure of the Ozarks. He will be remembered.
Teresa Bridges Poole
October 9, 2014
Without a doubt, Mr. Holmes was the best teacher I ever had. His classes were always an adventure, his stories were a welcome treat, and I was glad to have him as my advisor at Drury. There are so many things that come to mind when I think of Mr. Holmes ... "How to Build an Authentic Log Cabin", how to make shingles with a froe, Faulkner discussions, Ozark folklore, the madstone, Othello, Pappy's Place, the pig roast with James Dickey, that gleam in his eye, and his laugh. No professor was more admired. I am blessed to have known him, had him as a teacher, and as a friend. Please accept my prayers and condolences. He was one of a kind.
Stephanie Rutan
October 9, 2014
One of the finest professors I ever had; and a good friend to my family for many years. Thank you for everything, Wayne
Robin Farthing
October 7, 2014
I know how much you both mean to my mom and Charlie. Wayne will be missed by anyone who was lucky enough to know him. RIP Wayne...thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Mary Lou...much love
Beth Carter
October 7, 2014
Uncle Wayne, I'd give anything if I could hear one more story. I loved hearing your many stories about our family, and now regret we don't have your stories recorded.
This photo captures your essence perfectly. You were quite a man and my favorite uncle. I can see by the posts that you touched many students' lives. I'm not surprised. The fact that you taught students how to build an actual cabin is a great example of your hands-on teaching. It was fun working at Drury in the president's office and watching people stop in their tracks when I proudly told them you were my uncle. I think I looked much too prissy compared to your overalls, and I really enjoyed the shock factor (just like a good Holmes!)
Thank goodness you wrote ROCKY COMFORT so we can remember your stories and pass them on to future generations.
I'll miss hugging you and telling you I love you. I'll miss your laugh. I'll miss seeing you and Dad enjoying a football game. I'll miss watching you play Rook with Mom, Dad, and Mary Lou. I'll miss seeing your rock walls. I'll miss your intense stare. I'll miss your wonderful stories, but most of all, I'll miss you. I love you.
~Beth Carter
J.L. Samsel
October 7, 2014
When I saw Wayne's image in this Guest Book, I was immediately struck by its similarity to certain images of Walt Whitman. Somehow this coincidence seems appropriate because Wayne, like Whitman, had a fierce and wholesome and poetic character. My best memories of Wayne include his witty and amused manner of coaxing his students to independent thinking and interpretation, never imposing his own, but always encouraging his students to reach their own conclusions regardless of the lure of clichéd, tried-and-true, or received opinions. From the messages of former students in this Guest Book, it is easy to say that he succeeded. Wayne remains a huge influence on me and is one of my heroes for life.
Lucie Juneau Patrowicz
October 7, 2014
Borrowing his words, as an admiring student will, I'll note that as a teacher, Mr. Holmes was always "fine, really fine." It's hard to believe that someone so present could be gone.
Debi Brennan
October 6, 2014
This man gave me permission to tell it how it is for me since 1972 from experiences into words. Secrets and all. A blessingto have been influenced by his insight early in my career and family friends.
Nancy Hagan
October 6, 2014
I thought I knew it all walking in to his grad class on Culture of the Ozarks at Drury. I quickly learned the relationship of one's past as it relates to one's future.I gained a tremendous respect for my past through the guidance of Wayne Holmes who knew that our respect of the past is a predictor of our future success. RIP Professor Holmes.
Just a Citizen
October 6, 2014
Thank you for your military service, Mr. Holmes. May you rest in peace.
Lisa Cooper
October 6, 2014
Ready to read Rocky Comfort by Wayne Holmes again. The sound of his story-telling voice will stay with me always as will his stories and his friendship. I especially loved researching Ozarks folklore and cultural heritage with him when a student, and as an English instructor, I am one of his many legacies.
Ben Andrews
October 6, 2014
Farewell old neighbor and colleague, and I'm sure flights of angels sang you to your rest.
Becky Godsey
October 5, 2014
I could have listened to the man until he had no more stories to tell. What will the world do without him? My love and prayers to his family.
Vicki Jones
October 5, 2014
I will never forget Mr. Holmes, his energetic teaching, and his ribald sense of humor. He made Faulkner come alive for me. I credit his influence in shaping me into an English teacher for 38 years - and I kept his memory alive in every lesson. Working on Othello with him was also a highlight of my college days. As well as the goat roast he hosted with James Dickey! So many memories of Wayne Holmes. He has left behind a rich legacy.
October 5, 2014
Marylou, Clay Laura Marty & Karen,
My prayers are with you all during this time. I loved listening to "Uncle" Wayne telling stories! He has always held a special place in my heart. Love and prayers to you all.
Love Sandy (VanNortwick) Follett, Mother of Jennifer VaNortick And Rebecca (VanNortwick) Steinbrook.
Terry Walker
October 5, 2014
I knew Wayne when I taught at Drury for a couple of years in the mid-1970s. He always had an incisive perspective. I am sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to all his family members.
Alice Haddock-McCormick
October 5, 2014
He was my favorite teacher ever, so sad that he is gone!
Randy Peterson
October 5, 2014
Condolences to Wayne's family… I had him as an instructor at Drury and really enjoyed his class- I think he opened up quite a few minds to other ways of thinking…
Carolyn Overbey Watson
October 5, 2014
My condolences to the family. I was lucky to have been able to take one of his classes at Drury each year I was there. He made us think critically and analyze what we were reading and strengthened my love of literature. The Ozarks has lost a virtual fountain of information of its history.
John Compton
October 5, 2014
Condolences to Wayne's family on their loss. Mr. Holmes was an outstanding professor and brought both American and English literature to life in the classroom. He gave me an appreciation for reading that I still enjoy to this day. I had Wayne for American Literature his first year at Drury and the Fall semester of my Sophomore year.
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