A Native of Stockton California, Donald Eric Holmes, was called home by our Lord suddenly on Monday, January 27, 2014.  Born in 1933, Don, as he was known to his family and friends, was a 54 year resident of Manteca.  He is survived by his wife of 60 years; Bobbie Jean (Little) Holmes, daughters; Victoria Holmes, husband Richard, Rebecca De Groot, husband Albert, Sheree’ Mae Holmes, and sisters; Jeanette Wright, Marjorie Dempsey, and Judith Holmes.
   He was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren; Brandon Mothershed, Elise Schmuckler, Kathryn Mothershed, Stacey Holmes, Rikki Holmes-Buchs, Jessica De Groot, Zachary De Groot, Megan De Groot, and Jacob Jukes. Don was also great-grandfather to nine great-grandchildren. 
   Don was preceded in death by his father, Everette Rupert Holmes, his mother Verna Shelley (Snow) Holmes, siblings Vernette Marie (Holmes) Wilson, George Thomas Holmes, Everette Rupert Holmes Jr. and by his granddaughter Elizabeth Holmes. 
   Don worked as a journeymen machinist at Corando’s Machine Shop, in Stockton California for 24 years before leaving to accept a position as master mechanic at Del Monte Cannery on Miner Avenue in Stockton.  He remained with Del Monte for 26 years before retiring.  He often shared fond memories of his time at the cannery and he remained active in the Del Monte Retiree Association.     
   In his younger years he enjoyed camping, boating, waterskiing, fishing, ballroom dancing, and traveling.  His love of camping continued throughout his life and he would eagerly recount stories of his latest Good Sam’s Club RV trips.  Don was also devoted to his dogs, Mattie May and Ellie Mae.  He and the girls were a fixture at Lincoln Park taking their daily walks.
   Don was a truly amazing man who found many ways to help his family, friends and neighbors, expecting nothing in return.  His desire to help others led him to collect tabs off of soda cans by the tens of thousands to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charity.  Additionally, he actively collected anything recyclable and turned it into donations for St. Jude’s Cancer Research Hospital for Children.  
   He was loved by all who knew him and we will carry his memory in our hearts.  Services will be held in the Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Cemetery February 7, 2014, at 1:00 pm with internment following the service.
   Donations may be sent to St. Jude’s Cancer Research Hospital for Children, a charity very close to Don’s heart.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Tuesday, February 4, 2014