Stephen Allen Holmes, 80, of Buckhannon passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.
Steve’s life was one of relentless pursuit, ceaseless ambition, and endless passion. He was not just a man who lived his life, but a man who defined it. As Mark Twain once said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” For Steve, that second day came early, and he spent the rest of his life living his purpose.
He was born in Middletown, CT, on April 8, 1945, a son of the late Charles Burton Holmes and Mildred M. Peterson Holmes. Along with his parents, Steve was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Cheyenne Cunningham.
Steve leaves behind a loving family of which he was very proud, two sons: Stephen A. Holmes, II and partner, Cameron Wilson, and Brian D. Holmes, both of Buckhannon; three grandchildren: Katrina Duckworth of Morgantown, Liam D. Day of Buckhannon, and Stephen “Phen” Dean Holmes of Buckhannon; three great grandchildren: Trenton Moran of Buckhannon, Sebastian and Myles Duckworth both of Morgantown; his partner, Suzanne Ochletree of Buckhannon and family Shannon Wamsley, Ryan Wamsley, and Whittaker Wamsley all of Morgantown; and cousins, Craig and Judy Peterson.
Steve’s career was as diverse as his talents. He was an accomplished realtor-broker, founding Upshur Agency, Inc in 1971, and Country Roads Realty the following year.
Steve was recognized by the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL), where he served as a Past President of the Michael Late Benedum Chapter, and was a valued member of several professional real estate associations. Additionally, he held various professional designations including Certified General Appraiser, Licensed Real Estate Broker, Certified Review Appraiser, Professional Landman and Certified IR/WA Instructor.
Steve’s expertise was evident in his work as an instructor for the Graduate Realtors Institute and at West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Business Department, where he taught “Fundamentals of Real Estate.” He authored several important works in his field, further testament to his commitment and passion to his craft.
But his life was not only about work. Steve was a man of many hobbies, a testament to his zest for life.
He was an accomplished musician and passionate pilot, flying single and multi-engine planes. Steve was also an avid sportsman, enjoying everything from fishing, swimming, weightlifting, baseball, softball, to golf.
His love for sports didn’t stop at participation, as he was actively involved in numerous sports and youth sports endeavors. Devotion to children also had him as a Boy Scout Troop Leader of Troop 125.
Steve’s request for cremation has been honored by Clutter Funeral and Cremation located at 21 Elnora Circle in Buckhannon.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Riverbend Golf Course located at 591 Evun Breth Acres in Buckhannon.
We, at Clutter Funeral and Cremation, are honored and privileged to serve the family of Stephen Allen Holmes. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.
My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.
