Robert Holmes

Robert Denzler Holmes (Bob) passed away on December 30, 2023, at the age of 100. He was predeceased by his father, Charlton Lingenfelter Holmes, his mother, Norma Elizabeth Holmes, his sister, Vivian Jean Sidle (Holmes), and his wife of 51 years, Mary Ann Holmes (Zeigler). Bob is survived by his four sons, Douglas (Tasha), Scott (Kim), Paul (Madeline), and Dana (Linda); grandchildren Paul (Abby), Colin (Caroline), Marisa, Lucas (Cait), Brian, Stuart (Kayley) and Dashiell, and great grandchildren Caleb, Hannah, Natalie, and Owen. Mr. Holmes was born on December 18, 1923, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He moved with his family to Columbus, Ohio in 1937. He attended Indianola Junior High School and graduated from Columbus North High School in 1942 as class president. Bob was an excellent student and a member of the North High School debate team that won the Ohio state championship. He played trombone in the North High School dance band and was active in the High Y. As a high school student, Bob produced a film documenting the living conditions of poor neighborhoods in Columbus. He served as a page for Lieutenant Governor Paul Herbert. Bob began his collegiate studies at Ohio State University and transferred to Harvard University on a partial scholarship before volunteering for service in the U.S. Army in World War II. He received a direct commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Signal Corps and served as a Japanese language code breaker. Bob graduated with a degree in Economics from George Washington University, a law degree from Harvard University in 1949, and a degree in accounting from Ohio State University in 1951. He began his practice of law in 1949 and remained in the active practice of law for 70 years. Bob married Mary Ann Zeigler in 1951, and shortly thereafter moved to Worthington, where together they raised four sons. Bob was involved through the Worthington Presbyterian Church in the formation of Stafford Village. Bob and his wife Mary provided assistance to Hungarian and Cuban refugees, and Bob was a sponsor for many years of participants in the Columbus International Program. Bob was a lifelong advocate for Peace, and was a co-founder and served for many years as the Treasurer of Central Ohioans for Peace. He was actively involved in the political process, and in his candidacy for statewide office was endorsed by every major Ohio newspaper. Bob and his wife Mary were long-time members of the Worthington Garden Club, and Bob was active for many years in the Worthington Chapter of Toastmasters International. His example of being true to the things that really matter in life will be honored and celebrated on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Rutherford- Corbin Funeral Home, 515 High Street, Worthington, Ohio. Calling Hours will be on Friday, January 12, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the same location.