Gary "Mike" Holmes

Gary “Mike” Holmes
September 4, 1941 ~ January 12, 2023

Gary Michael Holmes (Mike), 81, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born September 4, 1941, in Three Rivers, Michigan, to Oliver and Alice (Ayers) Holmes. Mike was the youngest of three children, with sisters Ann Simmons and the late Charlotte Hyman. Mike married Kay Adele Greenwald on June 20, 1964, in Owosso, Michigan, five years after meeting on a blind date.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Alice Holmes, and sister Charlotte. Mike is survived by his wife of 59 years, Kay, his sister Ann of Marcellus, brother in-law Ross (Pat) Greenwald of Fenton, Michigan, and his two sons, Spencer (Stacy) Holmes of Marcellus, Michigan, and Andrew (Barb) Holmes of Scotts, Michigan, plus his beloved grandchildren Ellie, Megan, Emma and Carson.
Mike was a proud graduate of Marcellus High School (1959) and Western Michigan University, receiving his Bachelors (1968) and Masters (1974) degrees in Education. While obtaining his degree, Mike taught in Glenwood and then in Dowagiac. After this, Mike spent most of his career teaching in the Marcellus Public School system, both at the Volinia Country School and finally at Marcellus Elementary/Middle School. Mike taught for over 30 years and felt strongly that education was important and left a lasting impact on many of his students. Mike loved Marcellus, and showed his appreciation by serving many clubs, organizations, and boards. He especially enjoyed his time on the Marcellus Township Library Board and his roles as coordinator of the Marcellus Ski Club and Sixth Grade Camp.
Aside from being a teacher, many people knew him as the Chef/Owner of the Nip ‘N’ Tuck Tavern. This was a lifelong dream of Mike’s to own and operate the same business he worked at as a young man. He and his family ran the Tavern for 10 years. During this time, they created lifelong friendships that are active to this day and will be treasured forever.
Mike discovered a love for traveling and was fortunate enough to be able to see the world with his sister Charlotte. He enjoyed his annual trips to visit friends in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, and this later became a family tradition when grandchildren came along. In addition to travel, Mike enjoyed swimming, gardening, playing golf with his close friends, and skiing with family. Although Mike was not a competitive person, he lived to watch his grandchildren's sporting events and other activities.
Mike was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, friend, Pirate, Jack Frost, and Easter Bunny. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and every life he touched.
A service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please forward a memorial donation in Mike’s name to the Marcellus Township Library or to the Marcellus Community Schools/Sixth Grade Camp Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.materralstonfuneralhome.com .