William Paul Holleman

William Paul Holleman, 74, of Lake Charles passed away on Sunday, May 9, 2021 in his residence.

Bill was born on June 14, 1946 in Lake Charles to the late Elnora Barrilleaux Holleman and the late Henry George Holleman.  He was a graduate of LaGrange High School before moving to Napa, CA.  It was there that he had his children, Mike and Michele and met the love of his life, Blair.  They married in 1976 and soon after, he adopted Blair’s son, Chris.  They moved back to Bill’s hometown of Lake Charles to build a new home and future.

Bill went to work for Market Basket Food Stores where he became Store Manager in Moss Bluff.  He was known by all the community as “Mr. Market Basket.”  He loved that store and loved serving his community.  So many employees of the company owe a debt of gratitude for the training and development of which Bill provided over the years.

It was after Bill’s retirement from Market Basket that he really came to enjoy what mattered most, family and friends.  Bill was a wonderful father and friend to so many. You could always count on him to fill your belly and keep your wine glass full.  He always had a smile on his face.  With his wife, children, grandchildren, and wonderful friends, Bill was content.

While Bill did enjoy playing golf, his true hobby was wine.  He loved researching, trying new vintages, and sharing with his family and friends.  He enjoyed traveling back to Napa to visit old friends and discover new wines.  Bill also took joy in his beautiful yard, entertaining people, and cooking.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife, Blair Buehler Holleman of Lake Charles; his children, Michael Paul Holleman (wife Martha) of Lake Charles, Michele DeAnn Holleman Martin (husband Marty) of Hernando, MS, and Christopher William Holleman (wife Christina) of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren, Jacob Paul Holleman (wife Kim) of Lake Charles, Austin Kennedy Holleman of Portland, OR, Joshua Aaron Martin (fiancé Anne Peters) of Nashville, TN, Jackson Augustus Holleman of San Antonio, TX, and Ryder Kingsley Holleman of San Antonio, TX; and a great grandson, James Paul Holleman of Lake Charles.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Faith Holleman Blackburn.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church.  Monsignor Jace Eskind will officiate.  Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.  Visitation will begin in the church at 9:30 AM until the start of the mass.