Gregory Lee Holmes, 74, of Thorntown, passed away at home with his family on January 1, 2025, after a multi-year battle with cancer. He was born on December 26, 1950, in Mishawaka to Preston Lee and Catherine Marie (Grassi) Holmes. He married Cynthia Lu Ping on June 12, 1971, and she survives.
Greg was a 1970 graduate of Penn High School. He immediately began a 48-year career in the corrugated sheet board industry working in machine maintenance. He was highly respected by his employers and fellow employees for his knowledge, work ethic and sense of humor. Over the years he was employed by Stone Container in Mishawaka, Central Corrugated, and Flutes, LLC in Indianapolis. He retired in May of 2017.
Greg served as a volunteer firefighter for 12 years with Penn North Volunteer Fire Dept. in Mishawaka achieving the rank of Captain.
Though a very quiet man, he was always ready to serve where needed. An active member of Antioch Church, he has served for several years as a trustee, helping with building maintenance. He also volunteered on hurricane recovery teams in Florida and Louisiana and participated in mission trips to Haiti and Scotland. He enjoyed any activity with his family and hosting outdoor gatherings at their home in Thorntown. He loved LOUD fireworks, strawberry milkshakes, fishing, traveling, and visiting historic places.
Greg was devoted to his family. Along with his wife of 53 years, he is survived by his daughter, Anna “Mandy” (Robin) (Holmes) Stillwell of Thorntown; son, Jason (Wendy) Holmes of Thorntown; grandchildren, Tamandra (Justin) (Stillwell) Rose and their children, Leandra “Anna” & Vincent “Vinny” of Boyleston, Kathryn Stillwell of Thorntown, Elise (Nick Bowman) Holmes and their son James of Frankfort, Cody Holmes of Thorntown and Sarah Huse of Lebanon, Hannah West of Lebanon, Jacob West of Lebanon; and many extended family members that will also mourn his loss.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Penny Holmes; aunts, Winifred Avery and Margaret Sanchez; and cousin, Mike Avery.
Memorial open house will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 1-4pm at Antioch Church. In lieu of flowers, Greg requested donations be made through the Antioch Church with your choice of designations: “Haiti Family” (To support the family he has been supporting in Haiti), “Food Pantry,” or the general “Mission Fund.” Donations for Haiti may also be given online through “Spotfund” at http://spot.fund/8RwmWfsc. Day & Genda Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com.