Burt Bonfoey Holmes

1931 - 2025

Holmes, Burt Bonfoey

Oct 8, 1931 - Jan 15, 2025

It is no doubt that our father, Burt Bonfoey Holmes, led an extraordinary life. He was born on October 8, 1931 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Dan Perkins Holmes and Alice Margaret Lambertson McConnell Holmes. His brother, Dan P. Holmes, Jr. followed shortly and the family was rounded out eleven years later with his brother, Victor Mims Holmes.

His fondest childhood memories revolved around catching a train and going to summer camp in Wisconsin and sports. He loved basketball.

While at the University of Tulsa he studied business which became the focus of his life. Although accounting wasn't his "thing", our mother always said that if you put a dollar sign in front of it, he could do it in his head. He was the son of a grocery man who left that profession to become an insurance salesman. Burt's career was in reverse of our grandfather's career. However, he never left his "bread and butter" insurance job for his side gig as a "convenience" grocery man. He was a serial entrepreneur while raising a family which meant he worked long hours to provide for his family of seven. This meant that there was always an office to work in or a floor to sweep when children needed extra cash. He showed us his love by giving us a work ethic and teaching us that a man was only as good as his word. Many of his deals were done on a handshake - even up until the very end.

He enjoyed watching us and our families explore our own passions and sharing his passions with us. We are incredibly grateful.

Burt was predeceased by his parents, his brother Dan and his daughter Jennifer Lea Holmes.

Burt is survived by his partner, Mary Lee Townson, his son, Jeff and Lori Holmes of Tulsa and daughters Julia Holmes Ange of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Janice and Bill Chevaillier of Tulsa, and Joan and Culver Stedman of Houston. Grandchildren include Heather Gower, Betsy Brown, Leslie Farmer, Alexandre Ange, Conner Chevaillier, Mathilde Chevaillier, Leigh Chevaillier Kerin, Culver Stedman II and Andrew Stedman. His great grandchildren are Caroline Gower, Warren Brown, Dean Brown, Elle Brown and Cora Ange.

His life will be celebrated privately. In lieu of flowers, dad supported several charities including the Tulsa Botanic Garden, the John 3:16 Mission, the ACLU or a charity of your choice.