Robert Lee Holmes Age 71, of Ventura, California, joined our Creator on Monday, June 14th, 2021. Known as Bob to many, he was born in San Diego, California but spent most of his life in Ventura. He entered the Army at age 18 and served his country honorably for two years. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran. He studied Theology at Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College in San Dimas, California.
Bob worked as a grade school teacher and started teaching at Tempe Christian School. Later, he taught at Hueneme Christian School until he retired. As most of them would claim it, Mr. Holmes played a great part of the childhood of the HCS students, where he served as their teacher and school bus driver as well. His students remember him as “the sweetest person”, “teacher at heart”, with sense of humor and kind nature. He was popularly known as “Bus driver Bob”, “Best bus driver in town”, who always took the students wherever they needed to go. As he didn’t have a biological child, it dawned on him that the Lord entrusted these students as his own children at daytime where he said he would spend quality time with them from morning until he would drive them home. He cared deeply for his students and he treated each and every one of them as if they were his own. Later, Bob was endowed with three stepchildren fulfilling his lifelong Psalm 127 prayer “Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them”. He was a wonderful husband and a doting father. He supported his children reach their dreams as one is now a Medical Doctor and the other is studying to become a Doctor of Pharmacy. To other family members, he was “big, lovable bear uncle Bob” who did so much for his nieces and nephews. He was always full of surprises, and they cherish many, fond memories of him.
Bob cared for the community. With his then first wife Wilma, they were deeply involved in the Deaf Ministry at Puente Hills Baptist. He participated in various plays & activities at the Olivas Adobe Historic Park where Wilma served as a docent. During holidays, he is affectionately called as the “Perfect Santa” or “Santa Bob” with his long white beard. At one point, he was an active member of the Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County. Together with his Vietnam Vet brothers, they would go around schools on various speaking engagements.
Above all, Bob was a servant of God. He joined Mission Trips to Turkey and to Mexico, spreading the Word, and supporting various needs of the Churches there. At one point, he also drove the Church Bus Ministry.
Robert is survived by his wife Tacy, daughter Micah, step-daughter Nikki, step-son Jerome, brother Richard, and his beloved Dogther “Cassie the Wonderdog”. He is preceded in death by his first wife Wilma, older brother Larry, and parents Willis and Norma.
Robert’s committal service with Military Honors is scheduled on Friday June 25, 2021 at 11:30 AM at Los Angeles National Cemetery, 950 South Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049. Arrangements are under the direction of Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 757 E Main St, Ventura.
The family wishes to extend their profound gratitude to all who condoled with them and offered kind and comforting words as one put it—
“Bob is not here anymore, but thankful for his love for the Savior, He is with Him now”.