Raymond Charles Holmes

Raymond Charles (Grandpa Chuck) Holmes, 94, passed away Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at Heritage Pointe of Fort Wayne. Born in Fort Wayne, IN, Chuck served in the Merchant Marines post WW2. He also served in the Army as a baker both stateside and in Korea. He was a long-time educator with degrees from both Purdue University and Indiana University. Chuck coached football while teaching Industrial Arts. Chuck also served as both a Cub Master and Scout Master for many years. Chuck was known for his wood crafting projects, making snowmen, reindeer, bats, birds and ghosts which he distributed seasonally to local healthcare facilities. Friends, neighbors and all who kindly helped him along his path were also the recipients of his creative skills and gratitude. He was especially proud that the projects he made with love are scattered all throughout the United States with the people who loved him. Chuck will be fondly remembered by neighborhood friends, "neighborhood grandkids," and their families. In his later years he appreciated and enjoyed the relationships he built at the Veterans Administration both at the facility and especially with his caring home visitors. Chuck was married to Jean Holmes for 62 years, and he preceded her in death by only two days shy of 8 years. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Letha and Raymond Holmes. He will be missed by his surviving son, Scott Holmes, of Marion IN; and daughter, Lori Holmes, of Northampton, MA; as well as his grandson, Derek Yager Holmes, of Fort Wayne. There will be a Celebration of Life gathering on Sunday, June 11, 2023 from 2-5 p.m. at the Holmes' residence. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.mccombandsons.com. Arrangements entrusted to D.O. McComb and Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN.