Richard “Bud” Holmes, 72, of Bunch, Oklahoma, passed away on February 2, 2026, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Bud was born on August 8, 1952, in Tahlequah, to Henry and Allene (Glory) Holmes. He spent his whole life in Cherokee County and worked in ground maintenance for the Cherokee Nation. He believed in working hard, doing things right, taking care of his family, and a good tune on the guitar.
Bud loved gospel singings and playing his guitar. He was always happy and had a way of keeping things easy, even on days that were not. He loved being outdoors, especially if the grandkids were involved. If you were looking for Bud, you usually didn’t have to look far. He was either outside, with family, or sitting somewhere with his guitar close by. And if you caught him doing all three at once, that was about as good as it got. He especially loved spending time with his wife, Linda. After 58 years of marriage, they were still perfectly happy just running around together, seeing what they could get into, and calling it a good day.
Bud is survived by his wife, Linda Holmes of Bunch; his sons, Christopher Holmes and wife Kirsten and Baby Boy Holmes and wife Candace; his daughters, Jennie Diver, and Rolinda Thirsty and husband Jimmy; his sisters, Mildred Bolin, and Evelyn Adair; 17 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and his beloved dog, JJ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Allene Holmes; his son, Ricky Holmes; his brothers, Manuel Holmes, and Henry Holmes Jr.; and his sister, Joyce James.
Bud will be remembered for his guitar, his love for his family, and for keeping himself busy outside, usually with the grandkids, and a joke to go with it.
