Justen Loy Holmes

FLORENCE - Justen Loy Holmes, 43, of Florence died unexpectedly in his sleep on April 20, 2015.

The memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Indian Assembly of God in Coolidge, with the Rev. John Davis officiating.

Mr. Holmes was born on Aug. 10, 1971, in Florence to Perry and Paula Holmes. As a baby he was in and out of hospitals suffering from asthma and bronchitis. When he was 8, he was struck by a truck while riding his bicycle to the swimming pool, and he had a number of close calls in his lifetime. In 2009 he suffered a stroke from which he was recovering. He never gave up hope that he would be walking and going places again.

He graduated from Florence High School, played football and was part of the "Buffalo Squad" who were 1987 state champions. He worked for a contractor doing construction at Arizona State Prison and later became a corrections officer after attending the academy in Tucson. He also worked for Pinal County Public Works. As a little boy he had wanted to be a truck driver, so he enrolled in a school and attended on weekends until he got certification. He drove cross county but liked being home in Arizona, close to his family and friends. He loved to camp and hunt and went with his family on many trips. He had many friends and loved all his family, especially his nieces and nephews.

Survivors include his parents; a brother, Jasen Holmes; his grandfather Billy Sheets of Florida; two nieces; and three nephews. He was preceded in death by grandparents Bob and Ruth Moody, Wheeler Holmes and Mae Holmes Sheets.

Contributions to help with funeral arrangements may be made to an account at US Bank.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud Coolidge Chapel is in charge of arrangements.