Harmon Eliga "Boots" Holmes passed away peacefully in his home in Flagstaff, Arizona, in the arms of his wife, on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at the age of 98. Harmon was born on September 1, 1918 in Glover, Oklahoma to Eliga and Clara Holmes, the third of ten children.

Boots had numerous occupations during his lifetime; ranching, lumber, heavy duty operating engineer. His early years were spent ranching and working in the lumber industry. He was called to service when the United States entered World War II. Boots enlisted in the Army in March of 1941 and served his country until Honorable Discharge on September 24, 1945. Boots served as a tank commander and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his valor in the Rhineland Ardennes Campaign. Other decorations and citations included the American Defense Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, FAME Service Ribbon and four Bronze Service Stars. Upon discharge he returned home to marry the "sweetheart" he left behind. Harmon and Wanda Thornton were married on November 9, 1945. Boots and Wanda loved, honored and cherished each other for the next 71 years. Their union was blessed with two children, a son and a daughter. Boots and Wanda moved to Arizona in the spring of 1948 where he worked numerous jobs as a "lumberjack" including a log truck driver. At the decline of the lumber industry Boots began a long tenure as a heavy duty operator with Lively Transfer and Storage in Flagstaff. The subsequent years were filled with friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

Boots happiest hours were spent with family and friends enjoying a wide range of activities especially bowling, hunting and fishing. Boots was inducted into the Flagstaff Bowling Hall of Fame at the age of 87. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and held a Pioneer Combo License. He could always be seen with a hunting dog by his side.

Boots is survived by his wife of 71 years, Wanda of Flagstaff; his daughter DyAnne Nielsen-Holmes (Tracy, CA); grandsons Jerry Holmes, United States Navy, San Diego, CA , Kenneth Nielsen of Tracy , CA and Douglas Nielsen of Tracy, CA; 5 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter. As well as a brother, Silas Holmes of Little Rock, AK. He was proceeded in death by his son H.E. Gerald Holmes, Jr., his parents and 8 siblings.

His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

Graveside services will be Monday, May 22, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Citizens Cemetery, Veterans Section, Flagstaff, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Vista Hospice. P.O. Box 997, Flagstaff, AZ 86002 or a favorite charity.