Gordon L. Holt

Gordon L. Holt, 96, formerly of Battle Creek, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 23, 2012, while he was in brief residency at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence, in Kalamazoo. His family cherishes the memories of Gordon's faithful love for all, which was rooted in Jesus' faithful love for him. Gordon was born October 25, 1915, in Athens, to the late Charles and Mary Verna Holt. He graduated from Athens High School in 1934. He was president of his senior class, president of the Student Council, and played varsity football and basketball. He graduated from Argubright Business College with a Bachelor's Degree in Higher Accounting and Auditing in 1941. The same year, he was united in marriage to his loving wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Cunic. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2011. In 1941, Gordon worked in the Accounts Payable department of the Chevrolet Division of General Motors Corporation, in Flint. In 1945, Gordon moved to Battle Creek, and was employed as the Assistance Office Manager at the A-B Stove Division of the Detroit-Michigan Stove Company. In 1950, he was offered and accepted a position as a Budget Financial Analyst at the Post Cereals Division of General Foods Corporation, in Battle Creek. In 1951, Gordon became the Cost Supervisor of the Lonergan Manufacturing Company in Albion. In 1952, he was promoted to Office Manager and Treasurer of Lonergan. In 1953, he began employment with Sullivan Milk Products Company, of Battle Creek where he held various positions as Vice President, General Manager and Office Manager. In 1966, Gordon accepted a position with Maeward Couplings, Inc., of Olivet. He was a stockholder of Maeward and held various offices of Secretary, Treasurer and Office Manager. After retiring from Maeward in 1979, he moved to Battle Creek, to begin his retirement with Elizabeth, where they lived until 2011, when they moved to The Fountains of Bronson Place Retirement Community, in Kalamazoo. Gordon was a president of the Lakeview Kiwanis Club of Battle Creek with 17 years of perfect attendance. He also served as a president of the Battle Creek Chapter of the National Office Managers Association. Gordon also served as a member of the Advisory Council of both Kellogg Community College and the Battle Creek Chamber of Commerce. In 1949, Gordon and Elizabeth became members of the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, of Battle Creek. Gordon served as a member of the Church Council and the Budget Committee, and as president and vice president of the church's Couples Club. He also served as an usher during church services for over 40 years. Gordon is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his son and his wife, Ryan and Janet Holt, of Portage; his daughter, Karen Holt, of Portage; two grandchildren, Haven Essenmacher, of Fort Belvoir, Virginia, formerly of Portage and Brenton Holt, of Kalamazoo; three great-granddaughters, Brooke Chapman and Haleigh Chapman, of Fort Belvoir, formerly of Portage, and Ashley Holt, of Kalamazoo and one great-grandson, Dugan Holt, of Kalamazoo. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Keith Holt, of Athens. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 1, 2012 at Shaw Funeral Home. A service of celebration of Gordon's life will take place 11:00 a.m. Friday March 2, 2012 at the funeral home with Reverend Tom Ott, First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, officiating. Interment, Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests donations be made to memorial funds established in Gordon's name, at the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ (145 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017) and at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence (5473 Croyden Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49009). Gordon's family wishes to express their heartfelt thank you to all of the caring and supportive staff of The Fountains at Bronson Place and at the Rose Arbor Hospice Residence, of Kalamazoo for their exceptional help and assistance. The family is being served by Shaw Funeral Home. www.shawfuneralhome.com