Howard Holmes
Howard (“Pete”) M. Holmes, 90 of Punta Gorda, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on May 12, 2023. He was born on November 19, 1932 in Lancaster to the late John and Nellie (Jewel) Holmes.
Pete graduated from Lancaster High School in the Class of 1952. He worked for North American Aviation until he was called to serve in the Army for two years during the Korean War. Upon his return, he worked for Rockwell International, which later became Boeing. He served as a Program Manager on the Space Shuttle Project and retired as Manager of Quality Engineering. He was proud to have been the last person in the company’s plant in Columbus, locking the doors behind him as it closed.
He enjoyed supporting social clubs and playing sports with his many friends. He was a longtime member of High Lands Golf Club where he won many tournaments with his high school best friend Roger Figgins. He was a member of the Reynoldsburg Masonic Lodge No. 340. He was formerly a member of the American Legion, Shriners, Eagles, Elks, and VFW.
Survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years Ann O’neal Holmes, daughter Lisa (Joe) Wenger, grandson Joseph Wenger, granddaughter Alyssa Wenger, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Ann Rife, Blanche Jenkins, Ruth Holmes, Mary Holmes, brothers Bob and Charles Holmes, mother and father-in-law M. Madeline and Willard E. Jackson.
A private funeral service will be held for immediate family only. Contributions in memory of Pete may be made to The Glaucoma Foundation or Shriners Hospitals for Children.