Richard Larry Holmes

Richard Larry Holmes was born in Rapid City, S.D. December 2, 1945 to Richard Lewis and Daisy Lou (Wheeler) Holmes. He attended country grade school in Westover, S.D. and graduated from Murdo High School in 1963. September 1963, he enlisted in the United States Navy.

Over his 20-year navy career, he spent time at duty stations in Texas, Tennessee, Maryland, Rhode Island, Virginia and California, including both Oceana and Norfolk Naval Air Stations in Virginia and China Lake Naval Weapon Center in California and also much time at sea on the USS Essex, SS Harkness, USS Hammerberg and USS Gering. He was so proud of his time in the service as an aviation electronic technician, helicopter crew chief and a rescue aircrewman, completing over 300 life saving missions as a member of a Naval Aviation Search and Rescue team. He was a true patriot who so loved his country and instilled those values in his family.

He retired honorably in October 1983 to Valentine, Neb. where he worked as an auto mechanic at both Rodco and Miller Brothers, then in 1992, he began ranching in Todd County, S.D.

Larry and Janine Peterson were married in Murdo, S.D. on December 28, 1968, and blessed with three children: Karlanne Marie, Richard Len and Deanne Renee. He was a hard worker and faithful provider for his family, but would never pass on a nap. He was so proud of his kids and grands, but told Janine if he knew how fun grandkids were, he would have had them first! We all have so many wonderful memories with him hunting and fishing, listening to his best stories and dry sense of humor, playing his harmonica and singing with his guitar. He never knew a stranger, had the biggest, softest heart (which he wore on his sleeve) and was never stingy with a handshake, laugh or smile and for his family, cuddles, hugs and kisses.

Larry seemed to have nine lives, surviving a helicopter crash, getting t-boned by a train and surviving countless jumps from a helicopter onto mountain tops or into freezing water. He battled with congestive heart failure for 12 years and fought especially hard to gift us time with him the last 3 years. He passed away January 10, 2026, surrounded by his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Sharon and husband Jim Millay; brother Terry Holmes; and 3 nephews: Doug Millay and Lenard and James Bordeaux.

Larry is survived by Janine, his wife of 57 years; 3 children and 6 grandchildren: Karlanne (Ken) Fisbeck and Nicholas, Geoffrey and Renee; Rick Holmes and Abigail; and Deanne (Tom) Monroe and Jack and Karly; sisters-in-law Deb Holmes, Janelle Huffman and Janette Peterson; and his nieces, nephews and their families: Bob Millay, Lisa Good, Cory Holmes, Stephanie Peterson, Roy Lower, Steven Lower and Amanda Lower.