Larry Alan Holmes

With deep sadness and immense love, we announce the passing of Larry Alan Holmes on August 14, 2026, at the age of 80, following a lengthy battle with vascular dementia. Larry was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and loyal friend who lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, faith, and an unwavering love for his family.

Larry was born on December 15, 1945, in Cherokee, Iowa, to Donald Wayne and Barbara Jane (Spurgin) Holmes. When he was two years old, his family moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where he was raised alongside his brothers, Jerry and Chuck, with whom he shared a lifelong and close bond.

At just 17 years old, Larry enlisted in the United States Air Force immediately after graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School. He served as a medic in the Azores before completing his military service in Alabama. Following his honorable service, Larry built a successful career in retail and sales. He worked as a men's clothing buyer for Younkers Department Store, where he met the love of his life, Gretchen, and later continued his career with Brody's Men's Warehouse and Aris Isotoner in Des Moines.

Larry and Gretchen married in 1968 and built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. Together they raised two daughters in Des Moines while Larry continued his career with Aris Isotoner and Military Sales Service. Outside of work, he rarely missed one of his daughters' sporting events, cherished time spent with his mother, and took tremendous pride in his home and yard, eventually earning recognition as a Master Gardener.

In 1994, Larry was transferred to Plano, Texas, to oversee the Texas territory. Although it was difficult to leave behind family and friends in Iowa, he and Gretchen embraced the opportunity and made Texas their new home. During their years there, Larry continued his work with Aris Isotoner and Military Sales Service, traveling to European military bases before retiring at age 66. Along the way, he and Gretchen formed treasured friendships and found a loving church family at Plano Christ Church.

Larry found great joy in gardening, serving his church, and spending time with family and friends. As a Master Gardener, he took immense pride in creating beautiful gardens that brought joy not only to his family but to all who passed by. He generously shared his knowledge, skills, and love of plants with others, never hesitating to roll up his sleeves and help with the work of planting, growing, and nurturing. He became known not only for his beautiful flowers and landscapes but also for cultivating some of the spiciest peppers imaginable. He delighted in drying them and creating his signature blend, "Larry's Hot Mix," which he enthusiastically shared with fellow lovers of spicy food.

More than anything, Larry cherished time spent with the people he loved. Whether offering a helping hand, sharing gardening advice, cheering on family members, or simply enjoying a conversation with a friend, he left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know him.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Gretchen; his daughters, Abbie (Doug) Keller of Granger, Iowa, and Maggie (Jordan) Reiss of Parkland, Florida; and his grandchildren, Allison (Kirk) Berry, Nicholas Keller, Ilan Reiss, and Logan Reiss. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sarah Holmes; his brother, Charles Holmes; and his parents, Barbara and Donald Holmes.

A service to celebrate Larry’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Christ Church of Plano Chapel.

Family and friends are warmly invited to gather in remembrance, celebrate his life, and honor the love and joy he brought to so many. Reception to follow.

The family invites those wishing to honor Larry's memory to consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association to support dementia research and caregiver resources, or by planting flowers or a tree in his remembrance.

Larry's legacy lives on in the family he loved the friendships he nurtured, the gardens he cultivated, and the countless lives he touched through his generosity, faith, and servant's heart.