John Allen “Skip” Holmes, 72, of Mansfield, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning, July 4, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.
The son of John “Buss” and Opal (Walter) Holmes, Skip was born on November 18, 1953, in Mansfield, Ohio, Skip was a proud graduate of Madison High School. His love of learning led him to Georgetown College in Kentucky, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in American Studies, before continuing to the University of Kentucky College of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor.
A respected attorney throughout his career, Skip was licensed to practice law in both Ohio and California. He was a former partner with Weldon, Huston & Keyser before practicing privately until his retirement.
While the law was his profession, music was his passion. Blessed with an extraordinary voice, Skip became a favorite throughout north central Ohio’s karaoke scene. His rich, powerful, and remarkably controlled vocals earned him numerous contest victories, but it was the joy he brought to others that truly made him shine. Eventually, he turned that passion into hosting and DJing karaoke events, creating countless evenings filled with laughter.. To know Skip was to know that if there was a microphone nearby, Skip was ready to sing.
Skip’s interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. He loved spending time in the kitchen preparing meals for family and friends and recently discovered the rewarding art of winemaking. An avid golfer, he enjoyed playing many of the local courses whenever he had the opportunity.
A lifelong and devoted University of Kentucky Wildcats fan, Skip proudly wore Kentucky blue, but there was always room in his heart to cheer for the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Indians, and the Cleveland Browns. He was also deeply patriotic, grateful for the freedoms of his country and proud to call himself an American.
Above all, Skip treasured his family. On July 4, 1997, he married the love of his life, Victoria Goldsmith, beginning a partnership built on love, laughter, and unwavering devotion.
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Victoria Holmes; his children, Justice Holmes of Mansfield, Tanner Holmes of Lexington, Aimee (Dan) Truitt of Columbus, and Jon (Stacy) Allen of Chicago; his brothers, Richard (Louise) Witchey of Mansfield and Ronald (CeCi) Witchey of Casper, Wyoming; his sister-in-law, Delores Witchey of Mansfield; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who will forever remember his generous spirit, and unforgettable voice.
In addition to his parents, Skip was preceded in death by his brother Robert Witchey and sister Patricia Holmes.
The Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home is assisting the Holmes family with private memorial services. A private graveside service will be held at Mansfield Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions in Skip’s honor may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com