Kolton Wayne Holmes

Kolton Wayne Holmes, age 27 passed away peacefully on March 21, 2022. He was surrounded by his family and in the arms of his beautiful wife, Caroline. Kolton bravely fought brain cancer the last year and a half which weakened his body leaving nothing left to fight off pneumonia.

Kolton graduated from Arlington High School in 2012 and MTSU in 2015. He obtained a Bachelor of Science, Professional Pilot degree in 3 short years. Kolton was a hard worker and focused on following in his dad’s footsteps of becoming a FedEx pilot. He even spent his last semester of college online so he could move to Texas to train other pilots in order to log enough hours to get hired by a regional carrier. At 23 years old, he was hired by Endeavor Airlines and by age 25 he landed his dream job, a FedEx pilot. The day he received his wings was one of his proudest days. He woke up everyday excited “to do his job.” He was blessed to be embraced by the FedEx family. Kolton had the unique ability to focus forward, but never forget those that helped him along the way. He spent hours reaching out, educating, and helping friends with their airline applications. He wanted success for them too.

Kolton loved talking on the phone, not just sending a quick text message. He loved a good joke and his laugh will definitely be remembered. He invested in his friendships and bonded with everyone he met. His friends were family. If you talked with Kolton at any point, he probably still has your number stored in his phone. He was kind and generous with his time. He was willing to help and love you with no judgment. He was definitely “one of the good ones.”

Kolton loved his family. The Holmes’ are a force; we are loud, opinionated but we are loyal and we love each other. His bond with his siblings was unbreakable. They were each others’ best friends and it was special. Kolton not only followed in his dad’s footsteps, but he was his dad. From the time he was a child, Kolton elected himself to be in charge when his dad was traveling. He would make sure his dad was fully informed once he arrived home. The bond with his father was tangible, fierce and forever. Family was important and just like any relationship, you have to invest in it. Kolton always did.

Kolton found the love of his life only a few years ago. Their love is the kind of love few people find. Kolton would light up the second she entered the room. Caroline and Kolton were married only one month before his death. He was blessed to have her and left this world peacefully with her holding him.

Kolton would want you to know that in this crazy world we live in, kindness matters. Love each other, provide grace to all you meet, laugh and be kind. Although, he is no longer a phone call away, we will be together again. God does not promise tomorrow, but He does promise eternity.

Kolton is survived by his wife, Caroline Dillon Holmes, his father and mother, Kevin Holmes and Danna Lorenzen Holmes, his siblings, Lauren Duckworth (Alex), Janie Holmes, and Karson Holmes (Kayla), his nephew, Jackson Duckworth, his niece, Parker Duckworth, his maternal Grandparents, Loren and Anna Lorenzen. He is preceded in death by his fraternal grandparents, Frank and Janeen Holmes.

The family will receive friends Saturday March 26, 2022 from 11am until the funeral service begins at 2pm, all at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Rd. Bartlett, TN 38133. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the UCSF Brain Tumor Center by visiting www.braintumorcenter.ucsf.edu/how-to-help. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.memphisfuneralhome.net.