Eddie Dean Holmes

In his younger years, Eddie loved the outdoors, fishing, frogging, hunting, and spending time on the river. Eddie graduated from Ponchatoula High School, in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, where he played the saxophone and served as drum major.

After graduating high school, he went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps, an honor he carried with him for the rest of his life. Eddie was deeply proud to be a Marine, and there was an instant bond whenever he met another, often turning strangers into fast friends.

After his service, he worked in a variety of fields. He earned his CDL and worked in the moving industry, known for doing it all, driving, loading, and unloading, until a back injury led to surgery and a shift in direction. From there, Eddie found success in sales, where his personality and natural ability with people served him well. He also worked in manufacturing, earning certifications in welding and specialized laser technology. He also spent time as a licensed realtor in both Louisiana and Arizona.

Eddie had an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep love for Cajun cooking, rooted in his Louisiana upbringing. He brought that passion to life when he opened his restaurant Cajun Edge Seafood in Chandler, Arizona and later through catering. He was always happiest when feeding people and bringing them together.

He was an excellent dart player, an avid golfer, and enjoyed watching sports, especially as a loyal New Orleans Saints fan. Eddie was as sharp as he was quick-witted. A gifted student growing up, he carried both intelligence and humor in equal measure, often delivered with a little edge and perfect timing.

But more than anything, Eddie loved being around people. He never met a stranger, only people he hadn’t talked to yet. He lived out loud, told great stories, and found his favorite place was often somewhere simple, sitting with friends, talking, laughing, and passing the time.

In the last decade of his life, Eddie faced multiple health challenges, but he never lost his sense of humor or the spark that made him who he was.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jessie Ann Holmes.

He is survived by his father, Stanley Holmes; his brother, Joseph Holmes (Dori); his son, Derek Holmes (Ella); his daughter, Cynthia Robinson (John); his step-daughter, Taylor Zielinski (Matt), and his grandchildren, Iris, John, Phoebe, Madelyn, and Sydney.

His family will hold a private graveside interment at the Veteran's Memorial in Phoenix, Arizona.