Richard E. Holmes

Richard Elmer Holmes, 88, passed away on Friday, September 13, 2024, in Indianapolis. He was born February 10, 1936, in Minneapolis, MN to the late Elmer and Winnifred Holmes.

Richard graduated from Arizona State University in 1957. After graduation he served in the Army at Fort Belvoir, VA until 1959. He then returned to Arizona State for his doctorate. While at Arizona State he met Cristina Gallegos and they married in 1960. He completed his Ph.D in Chemistry, and they moved to Indianapolis where he began his career in research at Eli Lilly in 1964. He was employed at Eli Lilly until his retirement in 1993. Cristina passed away in 1994 after 33 years of marriage. 

Richard met and married Elizabeth “Betsy” Downey McAfee in 1994. They enjoyed traveling during retirement. Betsy passed away in 2023 after 29 years of marriage.

Richard is survived by his daughter Regina Holmes of Chicago, IL; step-sons Bill (Kristi) McAfee of Westfield, IN and Bob (Melissa) McAfee of Holland, MI, grandchildren Matt (Kylie) McAfee of Hartford City, Delaney McAfee of Castle Rock, CO, Kinsey McAfee of Westfield, IN, Brody McAfee of Westfield, IN, Maura McAfee of Holland, MI, and Billy McAfee of Grand Rapids, MI; great-grandchildren Charlotte McAfee and Greyson McAfee of Hartford City; sister Lois Callicutt of Seymour, TN. 

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, wives Cristina Holmes and Elizabeth Holmes, brother Robert Holmes. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Flanner Buchanan - Zionsville, 105 W Pine St, Zionsville IN 46077, with funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm. A graveside service will take place on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM 87501.