Oliver Wendell “Buddy” Holmes, Jr.

OLIVER WENDELL "BUDDY" HOLMES, JR.

May 8, 1941 - January 15, 2025

"Each of you should give what you have in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7 These words exemplify how Buddy, a beloved father and "Paw-Paw," lived his long and happy life of 83 years; a life marked by generosity, volunteerism, civic duty, military service, and devotion to his family. He joined his Lord and Savior on January 15, 2025 at 5:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Ville Platte, LA. Father Thomas Voorhies will be officiating, assisted by Buddy's son-in-law, Deacon Keith Fontenot. Visitation will be held prior to the Mass, from 10:00-11:30 am at LaVille Funeral Home in Ville Platte.

Buddy was born in Urania, LA and reared in Alexandria. He graduated from Bolton High School in Alexandria and the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette, where he met his wife, Rosa Lynn Soileau. He is survived by his sister Brenda H. May and brother-in-law Charles of Memphis, TN, as well as brother-in-law Dale Reed of Ville Platte, LA, and sister-in-law Brenda Wilks Holmes of Alexandria, LA. He leaves behind his five children: Madge H. Fontenot and her husband, Keith of Nederland, TX; Deedra H. LaPlace and her husband, Lance of Baton Rouge; Wendell Holmes, Boyd Holmes and his wife, Sandra all of Baton Rouge; Lowell Holmes and his wife, Baneza of Las Vegas, NV. His memory will be forever cherished by his grandchildren: Ryan Fontenot, Amber Fontenot Oleksy, Sarah Fontenot Fox, Gavin LaPlace, Brooks LaPlace, Sterling Holmes Tamlyn, Hartman Holmes, London Holmes Miller, Ashton Holmes Williams, Arrington Holmes, and Camden Holmes. His treasured great-grandchildren are: Sophie, Lexi, Nathaniel, Crockett, Maverick, Emmy, Chase, Henning, and Thomas. He was also blessed with a host of nieces and nephews.

After his proud service in the United States Air Force and Navy, Buddy spent the majority of his life in Ville Platte, where he and Rosie reared their children. He enjoyed a career as a farmer and insurance agent, and was active in community service as president of the Lions Club, president of the Parent Teacher Organization at Sacred Heart School, Chairman of the Sacred Heart School Fair, Baseball Coach of the "Cubs" and President of the Little League. He was also an active member of the Farm Bureau. When his children were grown, he moved to Baton Rouge to be closer to them and his grandchildren and was employed in the geotechnical field with PSI and Geoengineers. In addition to spending time with family, he was an avid Tiger sports fan, including The Dunham School Tigers, LSU Tigers, and Princeton Tigers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Madge and Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.; wife Rosa "Rosie" Soileau Holmes; and brother Wiliam "Bill" Holmes. The family would like to thank the administrators and dedicated caregivers at Old Jefferson Community Care Center of Baton Rouge. Buddy will be remembered for his bright smile, unbounding optimism, heart of service, and love of family. He will be deeply missed, but will live forever in the hearts and memories of those whose lives he touched.