Vernon P. Holmes, Jr.

Vernon Payne Holmes

October 30, 1933 - November 27, 2025

Vern died peacefully on Thanksgiving morning right after listening to Frank Sinatra sing "Fly Me To The Moon.”

Born in Los Angeles, Vern was the thirdborn of Vernon and Hazel's six children. Vern's mother's ancestry remains a mystery as she was adopted from the Orphan Train. Given the same name as his father, Vernon Junior was quickly dubbed "Bernie" by his family.

As a boy, Bernie stood out on the street selling avocados from the tree in his father's garden. This was his way of earning enough money to buy something he'd been longing for, his first Monopoly game. As he had priced the avocados at just five cents each, it was necessary to sell about 40 avocados. Proud of that accomplishment, he soon memorized all of the game's rules and properties' prices. From that time on, when playing Monopoly, that guaranteed his being chosen to be the banker.

When just nine years old, events taking place in his neighborhood would cause Vern to develop a strong social conscience. He puzzled at the sudden disappearance of his next-door neighbors, as their young son was his playmate. The family, American citizens, had been forced out of their home and put into one of the many Japanese Internment Camps. They never returned and Bernie would forever wonder what had become of them. In 1943, Vern was also influenced by the Zoot Race Riots. These violent attacks mainly targeted young Mexican Americans. Witnessing the persecution of these and other people because of their ethnicity or skin color struck him as fundamentally wrong.

Fresh out of high school, Vern joined the Navy and served during the Korean War. Those years broadened his view of the world and the people in it. He carried a strong belief in the truth of Luke 10:25-37 and practiced it throughout his life. He never hesitated to stop and help a stranger or to care for someone in need. It was through his service in the Navy that he received the valuable training which led to his career in engineering.

In 1969, Vern was living and working in Nevada. He had just designed Big Bertha, the first giant slot machine. Bertha paid the winner by noisily spitting out multiple silver dollars! It was there in Las Vegas that Vern met and married Cookie (Myers), an Indiana Hoosier. Already living far from any family and feeling adventurous, they pondered their future.

Deciding not to remain there in Sin City, they opted to sell everything and take to the road till their money ran out. Living was cheap as they both enjoyed camping in the desert, mountains, and state parks. Free and unencumbered, it felt great traveling with no particular destination in mind. Evenings, Vern would gather wood and make a little fire while Cookie played guitar and sang. Mornings, they would study their paper map and talk about whether they should move on or maybe stay another day. They were moving on God's time.

While camping in Ohio and low on money, Vern took a part time job when that life was about to change. They suddenly realized the need of reliable income when Cookie became pregnant. Happy and excited to be parents, they now wanted a place to land, stability. Accepting an offer for Vern to work in New Mexico, they followed their compass west. They were barely unpacked before Baby Nate was born. Less than two years later, they learned they were going to be blessed with another baby! Wanting to get back near family in the Midwest, they gathered up their belongings and moved back for a job in Ohio. There, they joyfully welcomed their second little son, Max. This was a supremely happy time for them. Then out of the blue, Vern's good friend called to tell him about a job opportunity in Johannesburg. It was just too good to pass up! So, in 1973, with two babies in diapers, the family made the over seventeen-hour flight to South Africa, "The Land of Contrasts." It was an opulent lifestyle for Americans living there. But witnessing the living conditions of the native African people, in contrast to the affluency of the Afrikaners, was deeply disturbing. Vern would never forget how apartheid affected the lives of people there, limiting their health, education, and opportunities. As his children were growing up, Vern sought to instill in them the importance of seeing people as individuals and the desire to help others, exemplifying Romans 10:12.

When they returned to the States and the children were older, they really wanted to settle near relatives in Indiana. Vern had found a good job in Indianapolis but they were wanting to live in a friendly, small town with good schools. While searching, Vern stopped at the park in Danville to let the boys have a break from riding in the car. Exploring Danville, they felt they had arrived in the right place! When they found the house of their dreams, the Christie house, they were certain! Shortly after moving into that old house, they felt the need to have another baby, and once again they were blessed! Bringing their new son home from the hospital, they stopped to let their friend Mildred Harvey hold baby Alex. Mildred's grandfather, John Christie, had built the Christie house during the years of 1861 to 1865. She shared many wonderful stories about the house and her family living there. Endeared by the history and permanence of their home, Vern, Cookie, and their sons would also discover the never-ending needs of such an old house. But every challenge would become a labor of love for their home and each other. Obstacles they encountered might have left them tired but they were never bored! Vern liked working alongside his sons and rather than lecture, he sought to teach them by example. One might often find him down by the barn helping his son or son’s friend fix something on their car. He treasured the hours spent with his grandchildren building with Legos and they knew they could always talk "Papaw" into just one more game or puzzle.

At home or at work, Vern enjoyed solving whatever problem he was presented with. Employed by companies including Rolls Royce in Indianapolis, Vern earned patents for his innovative designs. But he considered his home and family to be his greatest achievement. During his working years, which was most of his life, he passed up more than one opportunity for promotion as they would have involved extensive time away from his family. Vern worked so his wife could be home with the children, for which she is forever grateful. He wanted his children to feel valued and know unconditional love. Vern will forever be remembered for his kindness, loyalty, and laughter.

The Holmes family is so very thankful for the kindness and care they received from the doctors and nurses at Hendricks Regional Health Danville during Vern's brief stay.

In the spring, friends and family will gather to celebrate Vern's life and share stories.

Along with his extended family and the many friends he made throughout his life, Vern leaves behind one sister, Mary Clark (husband Larry); wife Cookie, sons Nate (Beth Ann), Max and Alex; four grandchildren: Ashley (Jairo), Luke, Lily, and Zach; and two great-grandchildren, Gia and Javi.

In lieu of flowers, please send monetary gifts to either Prisoner Visitation and Support based in Philadelphia, Inside Out Recovery in Brazil Indiana, or Father Flanagan's Boys Town. Thank you!