Tommy Polan Holmes was received into the arms of our Heavenly Father on Wednesday, December 2, 2015, in Ozona, Texas.
Born November 20, 1935, in Nixon, Texas, to Fred and Janie Polan Holmes, he graduated from Nixon High School in 1954 and remained forever connected to his high school friends.
Tommy attended the University of Houston and Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos until he was drafted into the armed services from 1957 – ’63. He was a veteran who served twice; he was recalled in 1961 when the Berlin Wall was constructed.
He worked for City of Houston by assisting with the re-location of people, families, in an area for city facilities.
Tommy lived and worked in Nixon for more than 65 years with a variety of occupations; Waste Water Treatment Plant for City of Nixon, the Nixon State Bank, an instructional assistant at the Nixon elementary school, the Nixon newspaper, delivering gas for Polan Distributing, as well as opening the Dairy Queen. His working with Finch Funeral Chapel enabled him to share his compassion for others.
Tommy was an active part of the Nixon community serving on Nixon School Board; and as president of the school board, was instrumental in the process of Nixon-Smiley being consolidated.
He served on the Board of Trustees for the Alto Frio Baptist Encampment Youth Camp, was President of Chamber of Commerce, President of Lion’s Club, and served on Nixon City Council.
He married the love of his life, Mollie Sue Lay, on June 21, 1959. Mollie Sue’s strength of character, never complaining nature, and faith influenced Tommy in his own faith. His compassion, love and faith guided him in her care until her death in 1993. As an adult life-long member of the Baptist Church he served as a Deacon and also taught Sunday school. His love of family was demonstrated by his caring for grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Tommy believed one of his greatest highlights/accomplishments was being ordained as a minister while one of his greatest honors was officiating at his granddaughter, Amanda’s wedding in May, 2012.
Tommy Holmes was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mollie Sue; his brother, Fred Holmes, and his sister, Rosemary Wagener. He is survived by his son, Jeff Holmes, and wife, Mary; his daughter, Tammy Raymond, and husband, Greg; his grandchildren, Shandra Medina and husband, Martin; Amanda Lovar and husband, David; Molly Martin, Evan Raymond, Everett Raymond, Owen Holmes, Cody Holmes; his great grandchildren, Jalyn, Gaven, Peyton, Taylynn, and Thomas; as well as many nieces and nephews and friends.
Tommy will be remembered for his devotion to his Faith, his love for his Family and the joy he felt for his Friends, as well as his civic responsibility. Family and friends will always remember his great sense of humor.
As he has ended most prayer with this message and belief, Tommy Holmes asks us all to, “Remember a life without Jesus, is a life not worth living.”
A graveside service will be held at Nixon Cemetery, 1396 CR 174, Nixon, TX 78140, on Sunday, December 6, 2015, at 2 pm officiated by Pastor Terry Davis of Leesville. A luncheon will be served at the Richardson Christian Center, 406 E. 4th St., Nixon, TX 78140. The family encourages all to join them at this time for visitation.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:

First Baptist Church of Ozona Scholarship Fund
PO Box 1608, Ozona, TX 76947 (memo: First Baptist Church Scholarship)

or Ozona Youth Civic Center
Ozona Bank, PO Box 805, Ozona, TX 76947

Arrangements by Finch Funeral Chapel LLC of Nixon (830) 582-1521.

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