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Donald James Holmes

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Don was born to Willard & Edith Holmes in Foster, NE on February 26, 1934. They moved to the Treasure Valley in Idaho in 1935. His Dad was a farmer and they still farmed with horses.  They truly did ride horses to school.  Don graduated from Notus (Idaho) High School in 1952. He was an All-State Basketball and Baseball Player. This sports passion was carried through out his life.
Don entered the Army in 1952. He was honorably discharged as an Army Ranger in the 101st Airborne.
Once discharged he went to The College of Idaho on a Baseball Scholarship.
Don married Charlotte Avers on April 8, 1960 in Caldwell, ID. They had two children Jami & Clark. The family worked together to manage ranches, saleyards and farms in Idaho’s Treasure Valley. They moved to Surprise Valley in Modoc County California in 1975 and managed the Bare Ranch for JR Simplot.
Mr. Simplot purchased a team of 20 mules in August of 1983 and had Dad and family show the mules for JR Simplot Company in the western United States and Canada.  The 20 mule team grew to 22 mules in 1984.
Don and Charlotte retired to Apache Junction, AZ in 1987.  Worked at Superstition’s OK Corral Stables guiding guests through the Superstition foothills on trail and carriage rides through the Goldfield Ghost Town & Mine.
They moved to the California’s Central Coast to be with their grandkids and followed them north to Redding. There they enjoyed being part of the daily activities. This included help run a stables and roping arena. Keep up with the grandkids activities. Enjoy slowing down a bit and watching more sports.
Preceded in death by his father in 1959, mother in 1994, older brother Gene.  Survived by wife Charlotte, daughter Jami & husband Pete, son Clark, grandchildren Megan Scales & husband Justin, Lane Simmons and Madi Holmes, great-grandchildren Wyatt & Wyman Scales.  Nieces Judi Trask (Bill), Linda  Sherman and Marle Sherman.  Also, twin brother Ron Holmes & wife Marge (Vale, OR) and younger brother Lee Holmes.
Don passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on February 25th, 2021. Rightfully so, it was in the early morning hours as Don never believed in sleeping in. He will forever be remembered for his hard work ethic, contagious laugh, love for his grandchildren, great stories, and being King of the Cowboys.
A celebration of life will be held at his Daughter, Jami’s home in Cottonwood CA. For more details, please contact her at (530)510-3981. In lieu of lowers the family would appreciate donations to the Shriners Hospital in Don’s name.