Charles Donald Holmes

Charles Donald Holmes, age 75, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025, at 7:00AM in Chicago, IL. Donnie, as we liked to call him, was born on September 6, 1950, in LaPorte, Indiana to Eva Mae and John Wesley Holmes, both deceased. No one seems to remember why we called him, 'Donnie'  -- it just stuck. Maybe because he was down to earth and free-spirited, or maybe because he was sensitive and caring. The name, Charles, was way too stuffy, and Charlie - well, let's just say that it just didn't seem right. At any rate, Donnie was what we called him. 

Donnie was quite the artist, always spending his time drawing. Oftentimes, his sketches took on a tragic and perhaps frightening tone. Unfortunately, growing up in the '50s and '60s wasn't always great. To me he was reflecting life as he saw it. Still, he made the most of it. His life took a tragic turn and never seemed to recover when he began using drugs.

Honestly, most of us siblings really didn't know our brother well. He was a loner, quiet. Still, he was our brother. A part of him has died in us and a part of him will always live in us. Each of us had a different relationship with Donnie. Gerri, the eldest in the family, always looked after him, visiting and taking him clothes, food and even spending money. Thank you, Miss Gerri.

For me, Donnie is one of the reasons why I think I am so compassionate. He was someone who needed a friend, and while I wasn't always there for him, I know he felt loved. Gale, the youngest in our family, is praying that Donnie is resting in peace.

We leave you with these words: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

Donnie is survived by his sisters, Geraldine Virgil, Fay Ferguson and Gale Norman. Sometimes it takes a while to realize that family really is everything. HE WAS LOVED!

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