Lois Katherine Holmes Larson

Lois Katherine (Holmes) Larson was a native Houstonian, and the daughter of one of Houston’s founding families, Clarence and Ruby (Caldwell) Holmes. She passed away in Houston on Tuesday, January 1, 2012, at the age of 89.

Lois was a graduate of Lamar High School, class of 1942. A cheerleader at Lamar, she met and married her high school sweetheart, Pat Larson. They had one child, Patricia Lynne Larson.

Lois began her modeling career at the Shamrock Hotel. Because of her extreme beauty and poise, she became one of the original models on television’s popular Battelstein’s Fashions in Motion in the 1950’s and 60’s.

Lois then joined her husband, a gifted musician and entertainer, and his band, as their lead singer, in order to be together as they toured the South, appearing at upper scale venues. Together, they opened their own night spot, The Keyboard Club in Spring Branch. It soon became one of the popular places for Houston’s professional athletes to gather.

Their love of entertaining took them back on the road once again, making popular appearances at locations such as the Fountainbleu Hotel in Miami, Pete Fountain’s club in New Orleans, and many appearances in Galveston supper clubs. This ended abruptly in 1972, when Pat suddenly died of a heart attack. Lois ended her entertaining career at that point and retired to her home in Spring Branch. A few years later, her daughter, Lynne, succumbed to breast cancer.

Lois’ remaining years were spent attending various social functions. She derived much joy attending her Lamar alumni gatherings and visiting with her friends. She was a member of Goldstar Wives, the Houston Professional Musicians Association, and she proudly kept up her involvement with veterans groups and organizations. Throughout these years, Lois maintained her kindness and good humor towards others and provided inspiration to many.

A lifelong member of the Methodist church, she was a person of faith and humility. To those who knew and loved her, Lois will live in our hearts forever.

She is survived by a cousin, Don Holmes New Braunfels, Texas; a nephew, Reid Strange of Roanoke, Texas, and nephew, Jim McCary of Bristol, Connecticut.

Family and friends are invited to join in a celebration of this wonderful woman’s life at a service to be held 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 7th in the chapel of Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road in Houston, with Reverend M. Eugene Vickrey officiating. A private family interment will be held at Forest Park Lawndale.