Keith Edward Holmes was born on December 4, 1953 to Edward Holmes and Grace Marie Holmes (Thomas), in Toledo Ohio.

Keith often credited his maternal grandfather, Reverend T.T. Thomas Pastor, of New, Jerusalem, Church of God in Christ, as the person who was most influential in his early Christian education. It was those principles that Keith carried with him throughout his life. One principle that was always important to Keith was his commitment to community. As a young teen, Keith became a member of the Jr. Black Panthers Organization. He wanted to help combat, racial inequality, police brutality and empower the community.

In Toledo, Keith attended Scott High School. Always assuming a leadership role, Keith served as an officer (treasurer) of his class. In addition, he was an editor of the sports section of the school yearbook. He was passionate about sports and was a member of the Tennis Team as well as the Cross Country and Track teams.

From 1971 to 1975 Keith attended Ohio University in Athens Ohio. He served in the ROTC while he was an undergraduate. In addition, Keith was a member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. He was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Marketing.

After graduation, Keith relocated to the Chicago, Illinois area working for a number of fortune 500 companies in various marketing capacities. In 1985 he founded Holmes Associates, an entertainment and sports marketing firm. He successfully promoted and helped to advance the careers of numerous well-known athletes and entertainers, as well as partnering with many private and publicly held corporations.

Keith met and married his wife, Carla Tavares of 43 years in 1983. They married in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From that union was born a daughter, Michelle Marie Holmes.

Keith was proceeded in death by his parents, Edward and Grace. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Carla, and daughter, Michelle, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews as well as a host of friends.

"You may be gone from my site, but you're never gone from my heart"

Keith's visitation will take place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., located at McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home & Crematorium, 530 West Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440. The chapel service will follow his visitation, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Interment Clarendon Hills Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home & Crematorium.