Wood River—Denis Gene Holmes, 72, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, March 14, 2024 at Alton Memorial Hospital.

Born Aug. 12, 1951 in Alton, he was a son of George and Geri (Pruitt) Holmes.

Denis worked as a machinist for McDonnell-Douglas, then Boeing, and finally GKN in St. Louis.  He was very proud of his work as a machinist.  He also was an avid duck hunter, a talented woodworker, and in his younger days, enjoyed riding his motorcycle.

He married Joyce A. (Morgan) Crews June 24, 2004.  She survives, as well as his children, Amy (Mike) Foster of Meadowbrook and Brian (Tanya) Holmes of Fosterburg; his stepdaughter, Stacie (Christopher) Geisler of Jayess, MS; 4 grandchildren, Kori Shepard, Karlie Geisler and Tyler Geisler, and Kirran Wicker; 2 great grandchildren, Nathan Maddox and Sunnie Kay Sheppard; and four siblings, Tricia (Joe) Friedel of Rosewood Heights, Jerry (Sherrie) Holmes of Cottage Hills, Linda (Tom) Reynolds of Wood River, and Dixie Holmes of North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Sharon Lind; and a half brother, George Holmes.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 17 at Paynic Home for Funerals, and an online guestbook is available at www.paynicfh.com