Roger D. Holmes

Roger D. Holmes, 82, of Topeka, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

He was born May 5, 1944, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Eugene Harley and Eva Pauline (Botkin) Holmes. He was a 1962 graduate of Wichita West High School, Wichita, Kansas and attended Kansas State University.

Roger was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Topeka until retiring in 2003.

He was an active member of the United Rubber Workers Union, Local #307, where he previously served as vice chairman. He was also a member of the Shawnee Boat and Ski Club. He also served on the board of directors of the Colonial Park Townhouses in Topeka.

Roger married Mary Jane Horocofsky on October 30, 1964 in Manhattan, Kansas. She survives in Topeka. Other survivors include his son, Brian (Janell) Holmes of Meriden, KS; his daughter, Cheryl Holmes of Meriden; three grandchildren, Jace (Emily) Holmes, Kamren Holmes and Dalton Holmes; two brothers, Eugene Harley (Ronita) Holmes, Jr. of Overland Park, KS and Dwight Holmes of Topeka; his sister Jerry Cox of Independence, MO; his sister-in-law, Barbara Holmes of Topeka; his brother-in-law, Donald Eland of Wichita, KS; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Donna Rae Eland; and his brother, David Holmes; his sister-in-law, Susan Holmes; and his brother-in-law, Chuck Cox.

Roger loved spending time with family, boating, water skiing, water color painting, golfing, and traveling. He was also an avid K-State and K.C. Chiefs fan.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 7, 2026, at the Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, Kansas, where the family encourages those attending to wear K-State attire. A funeral ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 8, 2026, at funeral home. Interment will follow at Rochester Cemetery, Topeka, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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