Earl Kay Holmes

Graveside Services for Deacon Earl Kay Holmes, a well-known businessman will be held on  Sunday, August 30, 2020, at H. V. Adams Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. Rev. David Campbell will be the officiant at the services.  Visitation will be held Saturday evening, August 29th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of Loche's Mortuary, Inc.  Masks are required to attend the visitation. To send words of comfort or condolences, flowers, or light candles, please see the instructions attached to this tribute.  Social distancing is encouraged.

Deacon Earl Kay Holmes

"His Journey"

The year was 1950. The date, September 21st. A typical day as days go. But, for Cleveland Holmes, Sr. and Luella Higgins Holmes, it was anything but typical. Bonita, Louisiana is a small southern town in extreme northeast Louisiana. The crop – why cotton. Most of the residents work in or around cotton. September in Louisiana is very warm. HOT! But the heat of the Louisiana sun did not compare to the warmth and excitement that filled the Holmes household. Cleveland and Luella were about to bring a new life into this world. They named him Earl K. The journey of life for Earl Kay Holmes began.

Growing up Earl K., enjoyed a variety of things. Playing with his siblings, his brothers, and especially his younger sisters. He grew up strong, proud, and protective. He grew up a Holmes.

As a young man Earl always had a love for cars. What made them run? Why didn’t they run properly? Could he correct the problem? These were questions that always puzzled him. As a result, he read about cars, he took cars apart, he put cars back together. As he discovered what each part meant and how one worked with the other, he found out things about CARS that would one day make him one of the most proficient mechanics in northeast Louisiana. Customers would come from miles around just to have him determine just what was wrong with their vehicles. He was that GOOD! And, he loved his job. He was especially proud of a motorcycle he made into a chopper and his "Slick 56." He was his own boss and he worked harder for himself than he would have for anyone else.

He went to Union High School in Mer Rouge. That’s where he met a young lady that would one day be his wife and the mother of his children. Just how did he know that. Because her quick smile and the twinkle in her eyes let him know that Floria Mitchell was and would always be the love of his life. March 4, 1969, Floria Mitchell became Mrs. Earl K. Holmes. For more than fifty-one years they have traveled the road of life together.

On the journey together, they were blessed with three beautiful babies:  Astondia Ann, Jeffery Earl (who preceded him in death), and the baby, Charissa (Chrissy) Annette. And, the journey continued.

Earl’s love for God was the driving force that made him who he was. He believed in the Golden Rule: “Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You.” He didn’t take his family to church but attended with them and instilled in his girls the love for God and that Golden Rule. His faith in God and following the Golden Rule made his businesses prosper.

Along the road of life, Earl developed some hobbies: CARS, fishing, CARS, watching nature shows, CARS, traveling with his family, CARS, fixing all kinds of things, and CARS. He enjoyed young people and would spend extra time with those who had a love for CARS. Providing for his family through a profession that he loved made life worth living. God was good to Earl K. Holmes.

On August 25, 2020, at Speciality Hospital, God, in His infinite wisdom knew that the time had come to call his faithful servant home. We thank you, God, for giving him to us for a time and cherish the love gave to all.

"Servant of God – Well Done!"

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