Thomas Edward Holden

Oxnard - Dr. Thomas Edward Holden April 1, 1954 - May 26, 2025), beloved husband, father, optometrist, public servant, and community leader, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 71 years old.

Born on April 1, 1954, in Oxnard, California, Tom was the son of Patrick and Katherine Holden, proprietors of Pat Holden's Liquor. He was one of six children and grew up in a tight-knit family with deep roots in the Oxnard community - a place he would serve with passion and pride for the rest of his life.

Tom attended Santa Clara Elementary and Santa Clara High School before continuing his education at Ventura College and Cuesta College. He went on to earn his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern California College of Optometry, where he met Lisa Knapp, who would become his wife and lifelong partner. The couple married in 1987 and shared 38 wonderful years together.

In 1988, Dr. Tom Holden and Dr. Lisa Knapp returned to Oxnard and co-founded Family Optometric Group, where they cared for generations of local families with uncompromising, personalized service. Tom was deeply committed to his patients, his profession, and his hometown.

In 1993, Dr. Holden was elected to the Oxnard City Council in a special election. His leadership, vision, and integrity quickly made an impact. He was elected Mayor of Oxnard in 2004 and served four consecutive terms until 2012. During his time in office, Dr. Holden was a tireless advocate for public safety, community development, and civic engagement. He worked to ensure Oxnard was a safe, thriving city - one that future generations could be proud to call home.

His commitment to service extended far beyond elected office. Dr. Holden served on the boards of St. John's Hospital and the Boys and Girls Club of Oxnard and Port Hueneme. He was also involved in the activities of the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club, contributing his time and energy to numerous community events and initiatives. In recognition of his contributions, he was named "Distinguished Citizen of the Year" by the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce in 2009.

Dr. Holden is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Lisa Knapp; his five siblings: Tim Holden, Ted Holden, Patty Holden, Jane Holden (Bill Hanssen), and Jerry Holden (Kerry); and his children: Patrick Holden, Jack Holden (Alexis), and Nicholas Holden. He is also remembered by many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and community members who were touched by his generosity and leadership. He was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Katherine Holden.

A Mass celebrating Dr. Holden's life will be held on Friday, June 6th at 10:00 AM at Santa Clara Church in Oxnard. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend and honor his memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Dr. Holden's name to St. John's Hospital Foundation, supporting cancer research and care - a cause especially meaningful as he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the final week of his life and passed away soon after.

https://www.supportstjohns.org/in-memory-of-dr-thomas-holden

Dr. Holden will be remembered for his warmth, humility, and tireless devotion to serving others. His legacy of leadership, compassion, and community pride lives on in the city he loved and helped shape.