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Don Holden Obituary

Don Holden Don Holden passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday at a care facility in Austin, TX. His wife Judy was by his side, and his children and extended family were nearby, having made visits and said goodbyes. Don was born in Lampasas, TX, in 1936. He was the first child of JD and Opal Holden, and at the time JD teased Opal by saying, "You can't spend ALL of your time gazing at him!" When his little brother Bob (Butch) came along, the family had moved to Austin to find their fortunes, with JD running a successful Electric Motor Repair shop. The family was very active at First Baptist Church where Don's beautiful bass voice was featured in the choir. Don was in the very first graduating class at Travis High School in 1954. His mother was a freshly minted grad that year, too, earning her degree from the University of Texas. The Holden family has orange blood ... and a little maroon. Don received three degrees from the University of Texas, finalizing a PhD in Electrical Engineering in the 1960's. His children studied at UT and Texas A&M, but Don took it in stride, admitting that A&M was "a fine school, too." The family had fun being a "house divided" every Thanksgiving. Don worked for Shell Oil Company in Houston for 25 years. He took an assignment in the Netherlands in the early 1980's, and the family enjoyed an amazing year of adventure and culture, touring throughout Europe on every vacation break. Don retired in the early 90's to start a pecan farm on the Colorado River, close to Webberville. Don and Judy, with free labor from their friends and family, planted trees, built fences, and constructed barns. It was a family venture, and the Holdens have celebrated many happy gatherings at "The Bend" on the river throughout the past twenty years. Don is survived by his wife of 49 years, Judy Holden; brother Bob Holden and his wife Ann; son Scott Holden and his wife Cheree; son Brian Holden and his wife Melinda; daughter Julie Holden and her husband John Watters. He was beloved Opa to his grandchildren: Davis, Erin, Caughner, and Johanna. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Austin Youth River Watch (www.ayrw.org). A memorial service will be held at 1pm on Saturday August 24th at the University of Texas Alumni Center.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman on Aug. 18, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

August 24, 2013

Don was my brother-in-law,and we were friends. While he and Judy lived in Houston in the 70's they were often hosts to me and my brood, especially when the Cardinals were in town. He loved his sweet family, clearly succeeded in his profession, and was a good man. I snd many others will remember him fondly. / Ben Sarrett

Paul Dingler

August 24, 2013

I was sorry yo hear tha brovy Don passed away. Butch and I were very good friends.
I havent seen them for many years.

Sharon Heaton

August 22, 2013

Loving thoughts and prayers being sent out to the Holden family.

Julie (& Johanna) & Don

Julie Holden

August 19, 2013

Dad, Daddy, Opa. I love you and miss you so much. We will honor you this weekend ... and for all the years to come.

Your little girl, Julie.

Benny Jay

August 19, 2013

While Nancy and I did not have the pleasure of knowing Don or his immediate family, through our 45+ years association with Bob we have learned to deeply respect and appreciate the values of the Holden family. We add our sincere condolences to those of Don's many friends and family. Blessings of the Lord to the entire Holden clan.

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