Frank Holmes

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Frank Holmes transitioned to be with the Lord on March 25, 2023 at the age of 85.

Frank was born on December 28,1937 to the late Johnny Holmes & Exie B Edwards-Holmes-Fields in Gloster, Louisiana. The family moved to Joplin Missouri in 1945.

He attended Joplin segregated Lincoln school system from 2nd to 9th grade and graduated from Joplin High School after they merged the two systems. 

Frank was a star football player and enjoyed playing team sports. He attended Joplin Community College, but soon joined the Army to see the world. Frank served in Europe and received an honorary discharge. After returning from the Army he found occupation in Denver, Colorado before returning to Joplin to work at Eagle Picher and then the Williams Natural Gas Company (spending some years again in Colorado) before retiring after 25 years.

Frank is a lifetime Joplin resident and member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church where at a young age was baptized. He developed his athletic skills playing with his older siblings after his mother married Dave Fields. Frank also enjoyed spending the summers with his grandparents in Louisiana during his formative years.

During his young adult life Frank coached Little League Baseball and Football teams for the Boys & Girls Club of Joplin. He was also involved in several different Bowling Leagues and enjoyed fishing. Frank was active in the community where he was a founder of the Aristocrats Club a social club and sponsored many events for the African American local community.

Frank was a Life Member of Myrtle Lodge 149 Mason Family, Joplin, served as the Past Master: Consistory #7, 32nd Degree, Kansas City, MO; Charter Member of UKHFI Temple 203 (A.E.A.O.N.M.S.), Ft Leonard Wood, MO, served as the Past Potentate, Oasis of Fort Leonard Wood, Joplin, Springfield and Desert of Missouri. He joined many young men to the Mason order.

Frank is survived by his partner Nancy Robinson, brothers, Henry Fields (Cheryl) of Memphis, TN and James Fields of Joplin, Allen Pippen grandson, a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Preceding him in death are, Johnny Holmes (dad), Dave Fields (step dad), Exie B (mom), Mable Hill (former wife), Robert Hill (stepson), Randy Strickland (son); Dave Jr, Chester, Walter, Ottis, Ogis and Julius (brothers); Vanilla, Gladest and Diana (sisters).

In lieu of flowers, memorial funds consideration be sent to Myrtle Lodge 149 in honor of Frank Holmes family.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation on Friday evening from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the mortuary.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.