Lawrence W.O. "Larry" Holmes died Wednesday, April 9, 2014, at his home in Brookings. Memorial services, with masonic rites, will be 1:30 P.M. Saturday, April 19, 2014, at the Brookings United Church of Christ, with interment at a later date at First Lutheran Cemetery in Middle River, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Brookings United Church of Christ or to a charity of the donor's choice. Lawrence William Oscar Holmes, son of Donna (Schenkey) and Squire Holmes, was born in Bagley, Minnesota, on March 4, 1941. He grew up mostly in Middle River, Minnesota, and graduated from there in 1959. He earned both B.S. and B.A. degrees from Moorhead State College in 1964. He later earned an M.S. degree in 1981 and a specialist in education degree in 1987, both from Tri-College University, NDSU, Fargo. He later earned an Ed.D. from the University of South Dakota at Vermillion. He was an educator for many years, working in positions that included being a high school teacher, a principal, and a college instructor, and a supervisor of student teachers. Larry first entered the military by joining the National Guard following high school graduation. While in college he joined the Marine Corps and served in Vietnam, Japan, and the United States. Following active duty, he joined the United States Army Reserves and retired in 2001 at a Lt. Colonel. On July 3, 1992, Larry married Loye Romereim in McCrory Gardens, Brookings. Their son, Nathan, was born December 29, 1994, and their daughter, Tiana, was born July 3, 1997. Larry was a member of a number of military organizations such as the American Legion (Past Commander), VFW, Marine Corps League, MOAA, 40&8, AMVETS, Reserve Officers Association, and the DAV. Larry was also active in a number of masonic organizations in both North Dakota and South Dakota, including Shiloh Lodge No. 1 and Sunrise Lodge No. 138 (both in ND), Brookings Lodge No. 24, York Rite College in South Dakota and North Dakota. He was active in the York Rite masonic bodies and was currently serving as the Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of South Dakota.. He was active in the Red Cross of Constantine, Scottish Rite, Eastern Star, El Zagal Shrine Temple and the Brookings Shrine Club. While at Moorhead State College he helped start the TKE fraternity and later served as a house father. Over the years he was also an active volunteer in organizations such as the Masonic Student Assistance Program, hospice, Stephen Ministries, and many others. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Loye; son, Nathan; and daughter, Tiana, all of Brookings; his brother, Richard, of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; and sisters-in-law, Gail (Larry Murphy) Holmes of Middle River, Minnesota, and Rose Holmes of Fargo, North Dakota; many nieces and nephews; an aunt and godmother, Cora Schenkey, of Greenbush, Minnesota; and numerous cousins. He was precede in death by his parents; brothers, Steven and Kirk; nephew, Derek; and several aunts and uncles.