Donald Wilson "Don" Holman

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Donald "Don" Wilson Holman, passed peacefully on August 24, 2025, at the age of 88. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and devotion that touched everyone who knew him.

Don was born on January 13, 1937, in Olympia, Washington, into a lively and close-knit family of fifteen children. Thirteen of them grew to adulthood, and family remained the heartbeat of Don's life from his earliest days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Bernice, and siblings Mary, Marlene, Judy, Dorothy, Chuck, Al, Richard, Bill, and Tommy. He is survived by his sisters Minnie and Sharon, his brother Ron, and a wide circle of extended family who will forever remember his warmth and laughter.

At just 17, Don proudly earned his GED and enlisted in the United States Navy, beginning a life marked by service, responsibility, and courage. After completing his military service, he started his working life at Boeing, earning $0.71 an hour…a humble beginning that reflected his determination to provide for the life he dreamed of. It was during this time that Don met the love of his life, Marguerite "Peggy" Sloan. Their courtship…chaperoned by Peggy's mother, Mary Sloan-blossomed into a lifelong love. Mary quickly became a guiding light and role model not just for Don, but for many of his siblings as well.

On March 22, 1957, Don and Peggy were married, beginning a 62-year journey together that was rich in devotion, laughter, and unwavering partnership. Together, they raised three beloved children-Donnie (wife Tammy), Billy (wife Shirley), and Carolyne (husband Jose)…and watched their family grow to include eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild soon to be born. To Don, family was life's greatest blessing, and he cherished every moment spent with his loved ones.

Following his time at Boeing, Don joined ALD Incorporated, where he worked as an equipment installation and repair specialist. His work took him across the western United States and Alaska, installing laundromats and car washes. Don's strong work ethic and pride in doing a job well done were hallmarks of his career…he gave his best every single day.

Don and Peggy purchased their first home in the Boulevard Park area of South Seattle, where they raised their children before eventually moving to Ocean Shores. A successful businessman and craftsman, Don built a family cabin there, creating a place of joy where summers were filled with fishing, clam digging, hunting, and countless family memories.

Don owned and operated several dry-cleaning shops, and ran the Aberdeen Sunshine Center (a large laundry and dry cleaners in Aberdeen) for decades. Ocean Shores where he lived during this time quickly became the gathering place for family and friends, and Don was famous for his enormous pots of clam chowder, often feeding 50 to 75 people at a time. These gatherings weren't just meals…they were celebrations of love, laughter, and togetherness.

Later in life, Don and Peggy moved south of Olympia and eventually made their home at the Key Peninsula Sportsman's Club in Lakebay. There, they became an integral part of a vibrant community, forming deep and lasting friendships. Don treasured the daily gatherings with friends, enjoying fellowship with companions like Ray, Jim, Dale and Mary, neighbor John, Barb, and so many others.

Generosity and hospitality were at the very core of Don's nature. He and Peggy often welcomed family members or young people into their home when they needed a safe place to stay. In true reflection of his giving spirit, Don even opened the doors of his Ocean Shores hotel to provide shelter to those in need. His quiet kindness, open heart, and willingness to care for others left an indelible mark on countless lives.

Perhaps the most profound expression of Don's love was the tender, devoted care he gave Peggy during her health struggles later in life. His steadfastness was a shining example of love and faithfulness, and his devotion was an inspiration to everyone around him.

Faith was also an important part of Don's life. He instilled reverence for the Lord in his children early in their lives, always leading his family in the Lord's Prayer before every meal. Later in life, Don answered the call of faith himself, honoring a promise to his brother-in-law Tom by accepting Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and being baptized into the church. This step brought him peace, joy, and a deeper sense of purpose.

Don's life was one of love, generosity, laughter, and faith. He will be remembered not only for the family he built and the friendships he treasured but also for the kindness and joy he shared so freely. His legacy will live on in the hearts of countless people who had the blessing of knowing him.

The family takes comfort knowing Don is now reunited with Peggy, worshipping together in heaven and surrounded by the many family members who went before him. His life was one of service, faith, generosity, and love…a true example to all who knew him.

A funeral service will be held for friends and family on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Odd Fellows Memorial Park located on 1407 Cleveland Ave SE, Tumwater, WA, 98501. There will be a viewing at 11:00 AM, followed by the service in the Chapel at 11:30 and a time for graveside prayers around Noon. Then a reception will be held shortly after. Please dress in comfortable Attire.