Bobbie Eugene Holmes

Bobbie Eugene ‘Gene’ Holmes, 84, of Opekiska Ridge Road, Morgantown, passed away Sunday August 12, 2018 at the JW Ruby Memorial Hospital following a long illness. Gene was born September 2, 1933 in Richwood, WV, son to the late Jacob and Bessie Hollinsworth Holmes.

Gene grew up in Nicholas County where he attended a one room school house. He worked in the timber industry and at the local sawmill. He would roam the hills and valleys of Birch River looking for Ginseng. Gene talked often about squirrel hunting and trout fishing, which were two of his favorite activities.

Later Gene and his wife would settle near the Morgantown area where he continued to enjoy the outdoors tending to his garden each year. Gene also had a love and interest in trains. He always looked forward to the annual family train ride. He visited the Potomac Eagle, Cass Railroad and the Durbin & Greenbrier just to name a few. Because you couldn’t keep Gene inside after his retirement, he would often be found mending fences and helping around the farm of his good friend and neighbor Mr. Petitto. Gene especially enjoyed camping at Big Bear Lake, Campgrounds and was an avid Mountaineer Football fan.

He will always be remembered as a hardworking husband, father and grandfather that provided for his family.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Mrs. Neva Martin Holmes, his children; Nancy DeNoon and husband Larry of Carolina, WV; Naomi Crites and husband Lenny of Morgantown; Wesley Holmes and wife April of Fairmont and Peggy Vernon and fiancé Dan Biddle of Fairmont; eight grandchildren, Tina Hinerman, Kevin Crites and wife Rose, Travis Holmes and wife Atina, Kendra Green and husband Brad, Leona Holmes, Autumn Vernon, Daniel Vernon and Levi Biddle; 11 great-grandchildren, Tyler Shafer, Harley Hinerman, Samuel Crites, Benjamin Crites, Cadence Holmes, Cylus Holmes, Arian Holmes, James Holmes, Jaelee Green, Raelynn Powell and Rylee Powell. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

Gene was the last surviving member of this family. In addition to his parents and siblings he was preceded in death by one great-grandson, Dakota Hinerman.

Family will receive friends at the Fred Jenkins Funeral Home on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018 from 4pm until 8pm and again on Wednesday from noon until time of services at 1pm with Pastor Dan Meadows officiating. Burial will follow at the Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens.