Warner Lamoine Holland

Warner “Lamoine” Holland III was born on March 8, 1933 in San Antonio, Texas to Nancy Jane Davenport and Warner Lamoine Holland Jr., and raised by his Aunt Jessie Triesch. Surrounded by his loving family, Lamoine passed away peacefully at his home in San Antonio on December 23rd, 2020 at the age of 87.

Lamoine was a 6th generation Texan tracing his roots on his father’s side to 1830’s Goliad, Texas and on his mother’s side to 1840’s Selma, Texas. As a proud Texan, Lamoine practiced law in the state of Texas for 50 years and served 2 terms in the Texas Legislature from 1967 to 1971.

Lamoine was passionate about family, friends and football. Among the many entertaining stories he told about his life was the one about how, at the age of 5, he put on the football uniform his grandmother had given him and ran across the street to Franklin Elementary to join in on all the fun they were having on the field. After a few days of this, the coach of the “Midget Team” finally discovered Lamoine, and promptly sent him home. Thus began his lifelong love of the sport.

At Edison High School, Lamoine played varsity football all four years, before receiving a full scholarship to Rice University. He was very proud of his years playing football at Rice and often told stories of his beloved coach, Jess Neely and the legendary games he played in, including the famous 1954 Rice vs. Alabama Cotton Bowl game when the quarterback for Alabama jumped off the bench and tackled Dad’s roommate, Dicky Maegle, as he was headed for a touchdown.

During his senior year at Rice, Lamoine signed a contract to play professional football for the Detroit Lions, but instead, was drafted into the United States Army. Lamoine and his sweetheart, Carol Jean Fulton, wed on January 14th, 1956 shortly before Lamoine left for Germany where he played exhibition football for the Army. Carol and Lamoine remained married for 56 years until her death in 2012.

Lamoine was a passionate family man who would do anything for his family. He was a loving and devoted husband, and a great father. Lamoine was blessed to find love again when he met Linda Fitch Phelps whom he married on May 28th, 2014.

His other passions included golf, fishing, hunting, painting and his many dogs and cats. He was a proud member of the Texas Bar Association, Christ Episcopal Church, the San Antonio Country Club, the Associations of Rice Alumni and the San Antonio Quarterback Club.

Lamoine is survived by his loving wife of 6 years, Linda Fitch Phelps Holland; son Michael Lamoine Holland and spouse Rhonda Jacobs Holland; daughter Nancy Holland Billups and spouse James Sykes Billups III, as well as 5 grandchildren, Troy, Cray and Mason Holland and Bailey and Audrey Billups. He is also survived by his step daughters, Helena Hummel Steubing and spouse, William Kent Steubing; and Amanda Hummel Kelly and spouse, Travis Kelly, and their children, Luke, Leita and Kameron. The family wishes to thank Lucia Esquivel, Deanna Santos, Virginia Hernandez and Altus Hospice San Antonio for their loving care.

A private family memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church on December 28th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, the Associations of Rice Alumni or to a charity of your choice.