Stephen Holmes was the younger brother of one of my “adopted” sisters.  His sister Christina was a neighbor and a friend who allowed me to babysit for her two kids (then 2 and newborn)  After her family moved to Georgia and then Tampa, I would travel to visit them during the summer.  I enjoyed helping with the kids and spending time with the family.

I had met Steven once, during a trip to Tampa.  We had a jam session- with the two of us on guitar and Bill (other brother) on drums.  Christina had given me a photo of that session.  I couldn’t find it until after Steven had passed away. 

While I didn’t know him well, I know that he and his siblings were very close.  I remember stories about them and their musical abilities (Christina is an incredible singer)  Bill and Steve were in a band together and played frequently at family functions. 

Steve was murdered while he was closing down his shift at Durango’s steakhouse.  Apparently it was one of his friends who took his life.  Everyone was shocked by it- especially his family.  They feel the void he left even now.

This is the only link I can find on the subject as of right now… I hate that people disappear so easily amongst a mess of websites.

HOLMES, STEPHEN FRANCIS, 29, of St. Petersburg, died Monday (Dec. 12, 2005) in a homicide. He was a native of St. Petersburg and graduated from Northeast High School. He worked as a manager at Durango’s Steakhouse. He attended Holy Family Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Jennifer; a son, Mikey; his parents, Theresa and William Holmes, and a brother, William H., all of St. Petersburg; a sister, Christina Broadwell, Largo; two nieces and a nephew. R. Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 49th Street N Chapel, St. Petersburg.