Deacon Holmes married Lorraine Lickenbrock on Nov. 23, 1950, and had five children — Thomas, Kathryn, Timothy, Matthew and Patrick. Deacon Holmes was ordained on Feb. 1, 1986, at the Saint Louis Cathedral by Auxiliary Bishop George Gottwald. He was assigned and assisted the pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Florissant. In July of 2005, Deacon Holmes was reassigned to St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Parish in Florissant, where he served as a deacon until he entered into retirement status in 2007.

Deacon Holmes served at both St. Luke’s Hospital and Saint Louis University Hospital as a hospital chaplain. He served his parish by presiding at baptisms, funeral services and weddings. Additionally, Deacon Holmes served his parish by leading Bible study classes, visiting nursing homes and making Communion calls to the homebound.