Robert W. Holmes

Robert William Holmes, Sr., age 63, of New Philadelphia, died Friday, February 12, 2010, in The Ohio State University’s James Cancer Center at Columbus following a hard fought battle with the disease.A son of Alice R. James Holmes of New Philadelphia and the late Arnold W. Holmes, Bob was born in Union Hospital at Dover on June 12, 1946.Bob was a 1964 graduate of Midvale High School and would honorably serve his country during Vietnam as a member of the United States Navy. While enlisted, he was assigned to be a boiler technician aboard the Naval Destroyers, the USS St. Paul and the USS Richard S. Edwards. Aboard the St. Paul, Bob was on detail in the boiler room at the time the destroyer had taken a direct hit from an enemy bombardment. Following his duty with the Navy, Bob’s patriotism continued as he enjoyed being a part of a number of veteran organizations. Within the Army-Navy Garrison Bob would serve as a State Commander and also a National Junior Vice Commander. He also held a lifetime membership with the William E. Donehue Post # 7943 of the Tuscarawas VFW, a lifetime membership with the local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans and a lifetime membership with the Amvets at Canton.Bob enjoyed being around people and sharing stories and his work as a proprietor of a number of area taverns throughout the years fit him well. Prior to his retirement, Bob served the Society for Equal Access where he began as a driver and was soon promoted to the position of Transportation Director.Spending time outdoors was a great joy for Bob. He enjoyed boating and golfing or even simply relaxing on the front porch or back deck. However, he was most passionate about spending his free time with his family and most importantly his grandchildren, whom he loved spoiling.In addition to his mother, Bob will be missed by his son, Robert W. Holmes, Jr. of Sugarcreek and formerly of New Philadelphia; two step-daughters Kelli (Mike) Gilland of New Philadelphia, Melissa R. Suchy, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; two sisters, Mallory (Kenny) Hutchison of New Philadelphia, Becky (Larry) Kostelnik of Columbus and two brothers, Larry (Sandy) Holmes of Tuscarawas, and Garry (Holly) Holmes of New Philadelphia.Two grandchildren, Savannah Lee Holmes and Robert Ethan Holmes; two step-granddaughters, Samantha & Jessica DeVille; nieces and nephews, Amy (Brad) McDougal, Chad (Ashley) Hutchison, Steve (Wendy) Clum, Todd (Heather) Holmes, Greg Holmes, Megan Holmes, Ryan Holmes and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews complete the family.In addition to his father, Bob was preceded in death by a nephew, Brian Hutchison.The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 18, 2010, from 2:00 â?? 4:00 PM and 6:00 â?? 8:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating Bob’s life will be held in the funeral home’s chapel on Friday, February 19, 2010, at 10:30 AM. Burial with military honors will follow.Following services, the family wishes to invite guests to join them in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the New Philadelphia Funeral Home, where a meal and fellowship will be shared.As someone who had battled cancer for the past twenty-five years, Bob was always proud to participate in the Dover Relay for Life Survivor Walk. Accordingly, the family requests that contributions in his name be directed to The American Cancer Society Relay for Life Dover, 525 Broad Street, Canfield, Ohio 44406.