Francis Steele Holmes, 78, Maddox, MD died January 9, 2009 at St. Mary's Nursing Center in Leonardtown, MD. Born October 8, 1930 he was the son of the late Leonard Locke Holmes, Sr. and Dorothy Thomas Garner Pogue Holmes.

He is survived by his sisters Laura Wason Holmes and Ramona Holmes Harper and her husband Rev. Harry T. Harper. He is also survived by his nephew Francis B. Johnson, Jr. and his wife Ranee, his niece Cynthia M. Pratt and her husband Jack.

Mr. Holmes was preceded in death by his brother Leonard Locke Holmes, Jr. and sisters Elizabeth Locke Holmes and Dorothy Garner Holmes.

A lifelong resident of St. Mary's County, Mr. Holmes graduated from Margaret Brent High School, "Class of 1948". Mr. Holmes was a farmer working in the fields of his home, Notley Hall for many years. He was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church where he served as a vestryman and head usher. Mr. Holmes loved his family, cherished his friends and neighbors and was devoted to his church.

The family will receive friends on Monday, January 12, 2009 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, where Prayers will be said at 5:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 12:30 PM in All Saints Episcopal Church, Oakley, MD with Rev. Kathleen Price and Rev. Harry T. Harper officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Malcolm Goode, Jr., Wayne Pettit, James Herbert, Frank Hodges, Bradley Friess and Robert S. Pogue.

Contributions may be made to All Saints Church, P.O. Box 307, Avenue, MD 20609.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.