1943
2014
CWO5 David L. Holmes, PhD
David L. Holmes, 71, passed away at home on October 8, 2014, after a long struggle with Lewey Bodies disease. David was born in Hammond, Indiana, to Hannah (Robertson) Holmes and Victor Leo Holmes on January 4, 1943, their only child. He graduated from Oliver P. Morton High School in Hammond, attended Lincoln College in Illinois and then joined the USMC. After his tour in the Corps, he attended and graduated from Vincennes University, Vincennes, Indiana, with an Associate in Arts designation and years later was honored as an Outstanding Alumni. It was at VU that he pledged Alpha Chapter of Sigma Pi Fraternity which became a big part of his life. He then attended Indiana State University, Terre Haute, and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 1969. When serving as President of his Fraternity at ISU he met his future wife of 43 years, Barbara Ann Krajkoski (also an only child) and they were married in 1971.
David worked as a teacher at Rockville Correctional Center, Rockville, IN and then as a teaching fellow at Indiana State while he completed his Master’s degree. He then accepted a Graduate Fellowship at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, graduating with his Doctor of Philosophy in 1976. His major source of study was recreation and his dissertation was on high-risk sports. He practiced his ‘craft’ leading students at the National Outdoor Leadership School East, canoe trips in the Boundary Water Canoe area in Minnesota, and winter expeditions to the Tetons in Wyoming. While studying in Salt Lake City, he joined the Special Forces reserve unit where his jumping and skydiving adventures began. He thoroughly enjoyed the sport of relative work, making close friends that continued throughout his life and yielded many thousands of ‘jumps.’ This passion led ‘Doc’ to being a skydiver stuntman on the movie, ‘Navy Seals.’
In 1976, David and ‘Barbie’ moved to Las Vegas when he accepted a teaching position in recreation, College of HPERD at UNLV. He sought out the Marine Reserve unit which was located in Reno, later transferring to the Marine Reserve unit newly established in Las Vegas (Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division). David progressed through the ranks, going on active duty most summers and spending many stints coaching the Air Force Academy’s ‘Wings of Blue’ and Golden Knights parachute teams in preparation for national competitions. As a Chief Warrant Officer, infantry, David excelled at leading young Marines and served as the Officer-in-Charge for the Las Vegas Marines reserve for many years. He was activated for Desert Shield/Desert Storm for 13 months. David retired from the Marine Corps in 2003.
Over the years, David taught in the UNLV Department of Urban Affairs and then in the William F Harrah College of Hotel Administration, completing 30 years of service and earning many awards, including the designation of Professor Emeritus. After moving to Henderson in 1997, David was appointed to the Advisory Board for the Henderson Parks and Recreation Department, an assignment that he thoroughly enjoyed as many of his graduates were then employees.
After retiring from UNLV in 2006, David joined the Masonic family. He was a member of Vegas Lodge #32, Free and Accepted Masons, and Zelzah Shriners. He was also a member of Sunrise Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star in Henderson, where he traversed the State of Nevada many times as the escort for his wife in 2010-2011.
In 1981, David and Barbara were blessed with the birth of their only child, Susan Ann Sky Holmes. She was the light of their lives and they were devastated when she lost her battle to Gaucher’s Disease in 2000. David, also an only child, is survived by his wife Barbie, Aunt Mary Robertson (IN), plus cousins from Indiana – Jane (Bill) Salin, Judy (Jim) Lambert, Mary Agnes Stackhouse , many beloved second cousins, God-daughter Tracy (Doug) Dickinson (WA), and many valued friends, Brothers and Sisters, who became the ‘family he chose.’
David’s faith in God was evident in his life and in the way he treated folks. He was a member of First Henderson United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in his memory to the UNLV Foundation for Susan Ann Sky Holmes Memorial Scholarship, Box 451006, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154-1006 or to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o Zelzah Shriners, 2313 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89104.
Services will be held at Palm Mortuary, 800 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV on Saturday, October 18, 5:00 PM. A reception will follow at the family home. He will be laid to rest by his daughter at Palm Cemetery Boulder Highway.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
April 10, 2018
Hello - I just learned of David's passing. I knew "Boot" when he and I went to school together at Vincennes University. We all looked up to him and had a great deal of respect for him. He also was a stabilizing factor on a campus of "kids". He belong to Sigma Pi and was a brother to my fiance'. I read his obit and am so glad he had such an outstanding life. My deepest sympathy to you all. Please know David will be remembered fondly.
Regards, Marti Gunder Guthrie
January 13, 2016
Ron Deitrick
I was saddened to recently learn about the passing of Dave. Heaven receives one "squared away" straight forward, honorable and trustworthy person. He had a great smile and it was always great being with him.
Dave and I published a paper on his "recreational" love - skydiving ("Physiological Characteristics of Elite Sport Parachutists"). It was my great pleasure to work with him on this project. He was a true professional and wonderful colleague.
I first met Dave at the University of Utah. We had a lot in common and spent numerous hours in the gym working out and running. You always worked out "with" Dave. No ego stuff, just a good friend who pushed you and who you could push back to excel.
He was a great advocate of fitness and taking personal responsibility for your health. I did not have the opportunity to visit with him recently but had hoped to reconnect once I retired.
It was my great honor to have known him and called him a friend. Semper Fi! - Ron Deitrick
August 27, 2015
Sir, just googled your name in hopes of catching up on some old times during Desert Storm. Not what I was hoping for, I will never forget you, you trained me well. Except for that Copenhagen, still cannot rid myself of that habit. Until we meet again heaven is a little safer now, Semper Fi, Greg Sexton Sgt. Sexton.
April 19, 2015
jeff johnson
Still remember the old days God bless them and keep jumping.
December 18, 2014
Karl Mayer
Dr. Holmes was an inspiration to all of his UNLV colleagues and friends. I am proud to have worked with him!
December 5, 2014
Richard "Dick" Clark
Barb, there are always people a person never forgets. Boot was one of them. He was a natural leader that I had the pleasure knowing as a fraternity brother and friend at Indiana State University. I was amazed but not really surprised when I read his obituary listing his lifelong accomplishments. I do remember when you entered his life. Talk about a "tough guy" who was completely in love. Barb I think I can speak for all of the Sigma Pi's who knew David...he was extremely well respected and will be missed.
November 16, 2014
jeff johnson
Dave, I have the utmost respect for you and we will all truly miss you. You are an exceptional man and leader and those that you influenced will be positively affected forever. I am sure that God needed someone to help him square away heaven so he called you.
God bless you sir.
jeff johnson
November 9, 2014
Chris Gonzales
Gunner Holmes was a leader and mentor to me while I was with him in 2-23. I will never forget the time I spent with him and trying not to get in his way as a young LCpl. He knew how to motivate Marines and with the knowledge he shared, I had a very productive time as a Marine.
Thank you Gunner for the memories and see you in Heaven. Semper Fidelis and Rest in Peace.
SSgt Christopher Gonzales, USMC (Ret)
November 1, 2014
Pat Cheney
Just found out about David's passing today (11-1-14) when I received your envelope of announcements in the mail. My heart is so sad. David was always my favorite patient. I loved coming to your home over that year. He was such an interesting guy to talk to. We always talked a lot about Hawaii where I had lived and he had served. He was so warm and so easy to talk to. I have thought of David so often and will always remember him the rest of my life with my heart .filled with admiration and love. Pat Cheney
October 24, 2014
Sherry Giarrusso
Rest in Peace Gunner, your the top of the mountain, and you guidance was what put me on my path of service. Doc was a mentor, protector, & character, that provided the morals, values, ethics, & selfless service that was to Affect so many. He touched so many and provided much of what we call our best of times!!!!
October 21, 2014
Dr. Capt. Ron & Deb Webb
Doc was a great friend, skydiver & teacher. We shared many ideas about "risk sports" and Doc always had it all figured out. He always encouraged & never put down. He could brighten any dark room or day. Now he's coaching that team that keeps getting bigger in Heaven. We ALL loved & respected him!
October 20, 2014
Thanks for the great skydive memories I have of you......Prairie Lake, IL, Las Vegas, NV, and Perris, CA. May you always be blessed with Blue Skies.......
Kim
October 19, 2014
Judy Bahorski
I am so sorry for your loss, Barbie. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
October 19, 2014
so sorry to hear of David's passing. He will be truly missed, and his accomplishments will be remembered by many of us who knew him.
Bob Archuleta, Gold wings 10
October 18, 2014
Tessie Mims
I was sadden to hear of your loss. For the many years he was my patient, it was always a pleasure to help David keep his smile white and bright. He will be missed. Wishing you Barbie strength and peace.
October 17, 2014
Heaven's streets are better protected for those to follow! I had the Honor and Priveledge of meeting and working with David in the Las Vegas USMC Reserve Unit .. Always a gentleman!
Semper FI
Ductus Exemplo
- A Lane Major USMC
October 17, 2014
Sharene Parini
My prayers are with you. For you go to a far better place. One with no pain or worries just peace and harmony throughout eternity.
October 16, 2014
Mike
My heart goes out for those left behind without Gunner Holmes. I know he is at peace, face to face with our Lord Jesus Christ. As a young Marine, I was privileged to talk with the Gunner on occasion in the early '80's about such things. PRIVILEGED!
October 16, 2014
Becky & Gil Stonebarger
Our heart is so empty at the loss of David. What an amazing man he was a perfect role model for young men everywhere. Soar with the angels.
October 16, 2014
Jeri Pritchard
I was so sorry to hear of David's passing. My heart goes out to you as I know first hand how difficult a time this will be for you. Take care!
October 16, 2014
Toni Arcadipane
Dr. Holmes was my Professor at UNLV. He was always available to talk and always in a good mood. His family was his pride and joy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
October 16, 2014
Sharon Duffin
Go Bless you David, it was honor to know you. You will be missed, but memories will live on. You will always be with us.
October 16, 2014
Billiemarie Witham
David, you are a good man, husband, father and friend. I wish you luck with your new adventures. I will miss you.
Love Always,
Billiemarie
October 15, 2014
What a wonderful husband, father, friend and mentor. I will miss him.
Stephanie
October 15, 2014
What beautiful pictures and memories. I only wish I had known David longer. He is one of the best Marines I ever met. Love you both.
Debbie Blake
October 15, 2014
Michele Johnson-Read
I am so sad to hear of Dr. Holmes passing. I was lucky enough to be working in the same building (MPE on the UNLV campus) with him in the late 80's. He was a great man. He was always quick with a joke, a smile and seemed to always be in a good mood. I remember meeting Susan Ann and she truly was the light of his life. My heart goes out to Barbie. Rest in Peace Dr. H.
October 15, 2014
Thomas Jones
David was a character of the first rank. His office was opposite mine and on his bulletin board was the quote, "We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm." — George Orwell
I always slept better knowing that dear Dr. Holmes was on guard. I believe he still is.
October 15, 2014
Elaine Houser
Doc Holmes was the first person I met when I arrived in the valley 33 years ago. He was an excellent professor and mentor. If he gave you hell ...it was because he really cared about you. Doc, you will be greatly missed in the Parks & Recreation field.
October 14, 2014
Sue Weakland
What a great professor and person Dr. Holmes was. He will always have a special place in my heart and a great inspiration to me. Even if he told me to call him Dave, after I graduated, I will always call him "Doc".
October 13, 2014
Chris DiGuilio
My love, thoughts and prayers are with you. I always enjoyed the talks David and I had at different events. I pray God will give you peace and comfort in the days that follow.
October 13, 2014
Bill and Jane Salin
What a Duo!!! Barbie and David, and Susan Sky, whom I wish I had received the Blessing to spend time with and know better all of her passion for Life and her contagious ability to share with so many others !!! David had a willingness to laugh and make me laugh even when I felt otherwise. Distance was the Devil that kept us apart. I often told Barbie I wished she was my next door neighbor.I was named for Hannah Margaret Holmes,David's Mother.My Love and we will meet again. Prayerfully, Cousin, Jane
October 13, 2014
Don and cindy asher
Love thoughts and prayers to you Barb and peace upon David as his battle has ended and God is embrassing he and Susie in heaven
October 13, 2014
sandy Sills
My thoughts and prayers are with you my dear friend. I enjoyed getting to meet you and David while I lived in Las Vegas.
October 11, 2014
Fred Wilson
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. David was a good man. If you nee anything you can count on Roz and I.
October 11, 2014
Doris Mathieson
Prayers for you Barbie and your family.
October 11, 2014
doris mathieson
Prayers with you Barbie and your family. Doris MAthieson
October 11, 2014
Dawn Bouteiller
Surely he is wrapped in the arms of LOVE. I am praying for strength for you, Sister Barbie! Star love,
October 11, 2014
Carol Keskeny
Sending love to you, Barb. I have so many fond memories of David while I was growing up. He had a wonderful sense of humor. My love, Carol Robertson Keskeny
October 11, 2014
Bill Lane
So long brother. We did some crazy things, but always had a good time.
May your memory be eternal.
October 11, 2014
Linda and Dave Hattrick
Thinking of you Barbie in this tremendous loss. Our sympathy, positive thoughts and prayers are with you. Star Love,
October 10, 2014
John Mitchell
Farewell brother.
John Mitchell
October 10, 2014
James Barnes
David and I were fraternity brothers and friends at Vincennes University and Indiana State University.
I have not stayed in touch but I will miss him.
Very sorry for your loss
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Oct
18
5:00 p.m.
Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary & Cemetery800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015
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Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary & Cemetery800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015
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