Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Holder Obituary
September 1, 1926 - November 6, 2023
Aiken, South Carolina - Thomas Martin Holder, M.D., pediatric surgeon, teacher, academic researcher and author, died in Aiken, SC, on November 6, 2023, at age 97, after a productive and satisfying life. He was a man of integrity and tenacity, loyal to his family and committed to professional excellence. He performed general and heart surgery for thousands of infants and children in Kansas City over a period of decades.
Dr. Holder moved to Kansas City in 1960 as the first Surgeon in Chief at Children's Mercy Hospital and dedicated his career to patient care and developing a superior, accredited residency training program in pediatric surgery, teaching medical students and residents, authoring 133 scholarly articles and book chapters and several books, including "Pediatric Surgery," by Thomas M. Holder and Keith W. Ashcraft. He was a leader in professional service, receiving the 1997 Ladd Medal from the Surgical Section of the American Academy of Pediatrics, serving as president of the American Pediatric Surgical Association and receiving its Distinguished Service Award, chairing the Surgical Section of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and notable others. He practiced and taught at University of Kansas Medical Center for 10 years (where he received the medical students' Jayhawker Teaching Award), then continued his career simultaneously in private practice and at Children's Mercy Hospital.
Dr. Holder is survived by his remarkably wise and resilient wife of 70 years, Kathryn Robinson Holder, their three children, Celeste Holder Kling (Robert), Thomas Martin Holder, Jr. (Becky), and Kathryn Holder Viele (Steve), three grandchildren, Kali Holder (Kaden Borseth), Matthew Kling (Zoe Sheldon), Alexis Hoffkling (isele harper), and two great-grandchildren, Wylie Holder Jewett and Sylvie Huntington Jewett.
Additional obituary at overlandparkchapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Holder
Sponsored by Kansas City Star.
3 Entries
Pat Mueller Fymbo Groves
December 8, 2023
to the entire HOLDER family. i was honored to be his cardiac nurse clinician from 1978 -1983 at CMH. i retired from that wonderful position only to have my own baby. he was an awesome man and doctor. my sympathy to all of you. patsy groves, Peoria, IL
Jim Hogan
November 19, 2023
He was a gentleman´s, gentleman! Always enjoyed duck hunting with him and his friendship over the years we were members together of the Medicine Creek Duck Club of Livingston County, Missouri. May he rest in peace, Jim Hogan
Dan C French
November 15, 2023
Kathryn and Family,
It has been many years since the days at Second Pres, but you were always a welcoming and loving site. You and Dr. Holder were part of that strong continuum of Second Family that gave us all examples to follow and strive to be like in our lives. Death is never easy, it can however be happy when we know the Lord is in control now! So I will say I am happy for you, for the time you have been together and the unforgettable life you created together here on Earth.
God Bless You!
Dan
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Holder's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Holder
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Holder's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
