Mansel Odell "MO" Holmes

Mansel Holmes, 92, passed away on February 13, 2025. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on February 18, 2025, located at Shreveport Community Church, 5720 Buncombe Rd. with a visitation at 10:00 a.m. He spent his life working in the oilfield and serving his family, friends, and church. 

Mansel was born on July 16, 1932, near Lindsay, Oklahoma. He graduated from Fox High School in 1950. While in high school, he worked at the grocery store in town on Saturdays. He hitchhiked 15 miles down a gravel road to his 7am shift, and his parents picked him up at midnight. He made $3.00 and couldn’t wait to put his 30-cent tithe into the offering at church on Sunday. 

Mansel believed in “solid work.” He managed a gas station briefly and later served as the mayor and city judge of Healdton, OK. He made his first career at Oilwell Supply for 28 years and then moved in 1980 to join Murco Drilling in Shreveport. Mo was instrumental in helping Murco assemble the largest land rig in the world at that time. In 1997, at 65, Mansel founded his own company, Moransco Energy, saying, “I’ll quit working when it quits being fun.”

Church was an integral part of Mo’s life, attending Shreveport Community Church and Open Range Fellowship. He was proud to support ministries at home and around the world. He loved to make a good deal, play golf, and snow ski (making 14 trips after taking it up at age 60). He was a great cook, famous for his pecan pies; and hosting a fish fry or cook-out made for a perfect Saturday. It was his goal to leave people smiling.

Mansel is preceded in death by LaVerne, his wife of 58 years; his son, Phil; son-in-law, Allen; and 2 of his sisters. He is survived by his wife, Jeanene Tipton Holmes; daughter, Vicky Amend of Bossier City; daughter, Angie Ross of Moore, OK; son, Scott Holmes (Kara) of Shreveport; daughter-in-law, Debbie Holmes of Ardmore, OK; sister, Lorena, age 103; brother, Jimmy, age 95; sister, Anetta, age 87 (all of Oklahoma); 10 grandchildren; 23 great-grandkids; 1 great-great-granddaughter; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mo never stood behind a pulpit to preach, but he lived a life of influence and integrity. There are many who follow his example as he followed the example of Christ. He will always be remembered and cherished for his humor, work ethic, and generosity. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Evangel Christian Academy Scholarship Fund.