Leland H Holmes Sr.

Leland H. Holmes Sr., 93 of Auburn, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 12, 2026, at The Commons on St. Anthony. Born in Belmonte, NY on December 23, 1932, Lee was the son of the late Hollis and Magdalena Battrum Holmes. He proudly served our country while in the United States Marine Corps. Lee retired from Schooley Enterprise in Auburn, where he was a construction superintendent for many years.

Lee was a Past Commander of the SK Post, member of the VFW and the Sons of the American Legion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and his yearly trips to Malone, NY visiting the area where grew up. Lee and his wife, Gladys participated in various bowling leagues over the years. Our family camp in Inlet, NY was the foundation of many good times and beautiful memories. Lee, along with his best friend, Billy Kowal, built our beloved camp and for many years it was a place family and friends came together. Each morning began with the smell of breakfast cooking and Lee's loud voice asking, "how do you want your eggs". Our days were spent fishing, cooking out, playing endless games of PIG, sitting around the campfire and listing to the "famous" H-Man story. No matter how many times he told this story to the grandkids, it was just as suspenseful and entertaining as the first, always ending with his boisterous laugh. These memories will forever be cherished.
Lee was great at playing a tune on the harmonica and enjoyed singing to all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family gatherings will never be the same without his one liners and loud laughter.

He will be missed tremendously by all who knew and loved him.

Lee is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Gladys Holmes, his children, Leland Jr. (Sue) Holmes, Jackie (Paul) Deapo, Connie (Tom) Rusin, Tom (Christine) Holmes and Chris (Linda) Holmes; his 15 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren, his good friends Billy and Cheryl Kowal, as well as countless others.
In addition to his parents, Lee was predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Shelly Villano Holmes; his siblings, Elwood, Warren, Allen, Floyd, Alice, Marie, Florence, June and George, whom he was exceptionally close with.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 18th at 11am in the Auburn United Methodist Church, 99 South Street, Auburn, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

To offer condolences, please visit whitechapelfh.com