Francis Holihan

Family-Placed Obituary


HOLIHAN, Colonel Francis Leonard (Len) Born: November 15th, 1918 Deceased: December 23rd, 2004. Many hearts were deeply saddened with the passing of Colonel Francis Leonard Holihan II (Len) on December 23rd, 2004. He had been visiting his family in England and passed away in his sleep. He came into this world as an Armistice "Peace" Baby at the end of World War 1, being born on November 15th, 1918 in Syracuse, New York. In his early 20's, Len Holihan worked at the local bank in Syracuse, served as a local radio announcer at the Radio Station WFBL & was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce. Len heard the call of the United States Military and this was the beginning of a 31 year career that would earn him many citations and awards. World War 2 had been underway for about two years when Len was inducted into military service as a Private on March 6th, 1941. His dedication and ability to take initiative, earned him a coveted recommendation to Officers' Candidate School in Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania on July 3rd, 1941. He excelled in this opportunity and graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army on December 24th, 1941. Three short years later, Len had quickly advanced through the military ranks of 1st Lieutenant, Captain and was now a Major. He was sent off to Germany as the Commander of the 133rd Evacuation Hospital. One year later, with the War now over, Major Len returned home to Arkansas and was discharged from the United States Army with many citations and honors. Theses included the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. He was then recalled to active duty in the Air Force and was quickly promoted to Lt. Colonel in May of 1951. On February 1st, 1959, Len was promoted to the highest rank in the USAF Medical Services, a Full Colonel. This was a wonderful achievement that only through years of dedicated service to his Country and fellow soldiers could have been attained. In early 1964, the United States Air Force needed Colonel Holihan in Madrid Spain. While in Spain, two USAF B-52 Bombers collided above Palomares Spain on January 17th, 1966. Four Hydrogen Bombs fell onto the Spanish coast. For his expertise in the cleanup and removal of the plutonium contamination along with his advice to the Air Force Surgeon General on the health hazards, he received the USAF "Broken Arrow" award commendation. Colonel Holihan also received the First Oak Leaf Cluster Citation for his extraordinary performance and visionary planning ability during this tour of Duty. After completing this assignment, Col. Holihan was transferred back to the U. S. to a small community called Beavercreek, Ohio. He became the Director of Health Services Management for the Air Force Logistic Command located at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Colonel Holihan received the Legion of Merit Decoration medal for his outstanding career service to the United States Air Force. After 31 distinguished years in the Air Force, in August 1972, Colonel Leonard Holihan retired with Military Honors. Retired, Len Holihan served as Associate Executive Director the Miami Valley HealthSystem Agency for eight years. His primary responsibility was the review of capital expenditures by hospitals and nursing homes in the seven-county (Miami Valley) region of Ohio. During this time Len established many "local" relationships which served him well in his upcoming third career. In 1982, Len accepted the Leadership position of Executive Director of the Beavercreek Chamber of Commerce. Len's served with selfless devotion and unswerving vision as he labored for the growth and development of the Beavercreek Community. Under Len's 12 years of leadership, the Beavercreek Chamber, as well as the entire Greene County area benefited immeasurable. There were many committees and boards that Len served on and freely gave of his insight, time and wisdom. However, the greatest asset Len possessed was that he genuinely cared about the individual. It was not programs and projects that captivated his mind, but it was his shepherd's heart for each person he met. This is what energized his soul. By his constant care and concern for others, He was a living example of love and this is why he will be so deeply missed. Sadly, the Love of Len's life, Justyne passed away almost three years ago on February 2, 2002. Len had since moved to Trinity Community Retirement Home in Beavercreek Ohio. He enjoyed his freedom and, when weather permitted, would love to work in a game of golf. He was a true gentleman and always showed dignity even as he aged gracefully. He leaves behind 5 children, 22 grand children and 5 great grand children. A family gathering and viewing for all is scheduled for January 25, at BELTON FUNERAL HOME in Fairborn Ohio form 6-8 pm. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial the following day at 10:30 am at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Beavercreek. Colonel Francis Leonard Holihan will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC on Friday, January 28th at 3pm. He will be interned with a full Military Honor Funeral. The Family would request that instead of flowers at the Funeral Services, any contributions would be given, in Len Holihan's honor, to the Beavercreek Chamber of Commerce Higher Education FUND. Len Holihan had co-founded this Education fund in 1989. He was passionate about giving students opportunities to achieve great things. This fund helps two Beavercreek senior students per year with a generous scholarship and career opportunities. These can be sent to the Beavercreek Chamber of Commerce, 3299 Kemp Rd., Beavercreek, OH 45431, in care of Len Holihan - Education Fund. This would greatly honor our father. [!== FH = BELTON FUNERAL HOME 422 E DAYTON YELLOW SPRINGS RD FAIRBORN OH 45324 ==]