Russell Travis Holmes of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died early Wednesday morning, October 12, 2016, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital at the age of 72 years.

Russell Travis Holmes was born on February 12, 1944, in Blackwell to Harold Russell and Hazel Eola (Barrows) Holmes. He grew up in Braman attending Braman Public Schools until the eighth grade when he attended Blackwell Public Schools and graduated from Blackwell High School in 1962. While in high school Russell was an accomplished wrestler which earned him a college scholarship. Upon completion of his education he began working for the Blackwell Zinc Company and for his father's electrical business, Holmes Electric. He married Carolyn Tickel in 1966. He later took over operation of the company. He married Karen Lou Elsenrath on December 16, 1983, in Miami, Oklahoma, and they made Blackwell their home. He later sold Holmes Electric and after the sale he continued to work there until his retirement in 2014. He was a member of the N.R.A. and enjoyed riding motorcycles and cheering for the Minnesota Vikings.

He is survived by his wife Karen Holmes of Blackwell; three daughters, Laura Holmes of Blackwell, Leslie Holmes of Blackwell, and Krista Gleason of Nardin; many grandchildren; and several great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Travis Holmes; and a brother, Ron Holmes.

Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 14th in the Roberts and Son Funeral Home Chapel with James W. Roberts officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Nardin.

Casketbearers will be Rick Campbell, Greg Sixkiller, Darrell Steelmon, Darrell Brown, Jeff Boyer and Brad Meador. Serving as honorary casketbearers will be Jimmy Tickel, R. J. Ruiz, Jim McKee, Buddy McKee, Harrison Rowe, Paul Skidmore and Danny Shields.

A memorial has been established in his honor with the Blackwell Takedown Club in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.