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David Gentry Holmes, a Christian man, died peacefully at home in Ennis, Texas on January 14, 2014 after a protracted illness. He was born August 24, 1935 to Samuel Berdett and Myrtle Gentry Holmes in Iraan, Texas. Gentry graduated from Rankin High School and Sul Ross University and attended Stanford University. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960. Gentry enjoyed a lifetime interest in land stewardship, loved raising horses and cattle, and championed the humane treatment of abandoned and abused animals. Gentry was loyal and happy man who loved life, adventure, humor, friends and family. He was most at home walking through his pasture accompanied by his devoted dogs. Gentry was an authentic western man. Gentry was a longtime Ennis resident and member of the St. Thomas Episcopal Church. He came to Ennis as an officer of Southern Pacific Railroad. Then, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, he founded business in Ennis including Holmes Salvage, Holmes Transfer, and Holmes Cemetery Services. He also served on the boards of Ellis County Tax Appraisal District and Citizens National Bank. He was a member of Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, The American Quarter Horse Association, and The Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers’ Association. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Hella Shrine. Gentry is survived by: Genevieve Poage Holmes, his wife of fifty-one years; his brother-in-law, George Walton “Bud” Poage, Jr.; sister-in-law Nance Poage; nephew, George Walton “Trey” Poage III; great nephew and nieces, Grayson, Claire, and Audri. He is also survived by surrogate son, John Roach; Godson, Benjamin Gerhauser; and great friend, Juan Hernandez Zamora. Honorary pallbearers are Walter Erwin, Phil Farr, Benjamin Gerhauser, Jerry Glaspy, Dick Hickerson, and Stanley Liska. Services will be held at J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis, Texas 75119 on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 3 p.m. in the afternoon. Reception will follow at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 901 Park Street. A graveside service and interment will be in Rankin Upton County, Texas on Sunday, January 26, 2014 at 2 p.m. in the afternoon. In lieu of flowers, contribution can be made to Ellis County SPCA, 2570 FM 878, Waxahachie, Texas 75165 or to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 901 Park Street, Ennis, Texas 75119. www.jekeevermortuary.com
