Carl Holmes

Carl Holmes passed away Aug. 19, 2015, after a long battle with cancer. Born in Amityville, Long Island, N.Y., on Aug. 30, 1942, to Theodore and Sybil Holmes, he grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Carl joined the U.S. Air Force in 1961 and proudly served his country for 28 years. While in the service, he traveled the world and made lifelong friends.

His natural intelligence and people skills enabled him to lead and excel in his career with jobs that ranged from aircraft maintenance, teaching race relations, implementing military equal opportunity regulations, coaching Air Force basketball teams for 13 years and many other sports.

During his career, he earned multiple college degrees. Carl retired as a senior master sergeant on June 1, 1989.

Carl chose to put down roots in Mountain Home after his military career and spent many years as a small business owner in the community he loved.

Carl married the love of his life, Lisa, on June 14, 1992, and thrived in his role as a family man and eventually doting grandfather.

A man of many interests and talents, music held a special place in his life, he was well known for his skill on the Hammond B-3 organ, but he could play any instrument he touched. Music was as much an innate part of him just as his huge smile, natural charisma and family. Even while fighting cancer, he played regular gigs with his band, The B-3 Side, and shared so much of himself while performing.

He was dearly loved and will be missed by the countless people he touched.

Carl leaves behind his wife, Lisa Holmes of Mountain Home; siblings Sylvan Holmes and Monica Holmes; four children, Kevin Holmes of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Amber Rivera of Boise; Barbara Scott of New York, N.Y.; David Donaghe of Idaho; and Bobbie Jo Scholz of Boise. He will be remembered forever by his 13 grandchildren: Rayna, Johana, Shane, Makayla, Taylor, Braydin, Grey, Carter, Sadie-Mae, Tracy, Tyler, Kylan and Kaleb.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Carl's name at the Bank of the Cascades in Mountain Home to help the family with funeral costs.

A service is scheduled at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel, on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. Since the service falls on Carl's 73rd birthday, the family is holding a Celebration of Life potluck following the service at Optimist Park on Marathon Way in Mountain Home.

Carl would want everyone to dress as if they were attending one of his gigs. Everyone is welcome.