Tony "Eddie Baker" Holmes was born March 29, 1964, at Poplar Bluff, Mo., the son of Barbara Jane Doneson and Darrel Marlin Baker. He departed earthly life on Friday, March 6, 2009, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo. He was 44 years, 11 months and six days of age.

Eddie grew up on the family farm near Marble Hill. He graduated from Woodland High School in 1982. For the past 20 years he worked for Crader Distributing as the inventory control manager,, living in Texas, Kansas City and in Marble Hill. Eddie was a big sports fan. He rooted for the Kansas City Chiefs football team, cheered on the Mizzou Tigers, and watched Cardinal baseball. But his favorite was the football team his son, Kelcie, played on which won a state championship title. Eddie enjoyed playing golf, dart throwing with friends and teasing his nieces and nephews. "Uncle Eddie" always had encouraging words. And he was always ready to socialize.

He is survived by his son, Kelcie Holmes, of Harrisonville, Mo.; the love of his life and special friend, Cindy Gray, and her children, Caleb and Andie of Scott City, Mo.; three sisters: Vickie Seiler of Leopold, Mo., Wanda Harris of Spring, Texas, and Teresa VanGennip of Marble Hill; and three brothers: Dennis, Stephen and Allen Baker all of Marble Hill.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation is Sunday, March 8, 2009, at Hutchings Funeral Chapel in Marble Hill. The funeral service is on Monday, March 9, 2009, at the chapel at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Bollinger County Memorial Park Cemetery.