John Robert Holman

 

Col. John R. Holman, Ret., 80, of Lexington, Missouri passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at home.

 

Rosary will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 South St., Lexington, MO, 64067.  Visitation will follow on Sunday, March 26, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 27, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 107 N. 18th St., Lexington, MO, 64067.  Rite of Committal with Military Honors will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery in Lexington.  Memorials may be made to the Lexington Historical Museum or Wentworth Military Academy Museum.  Memories of John and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 S. St., Lexington, MO, 64067, 660-259-2245. 

 

John was born on March 19, 1943 in Kansas City, MO to Cebert and Alda (Simonetti) Holman.  He graduated from Lexington High School in 1962 and earned an Associates Degree from Wentworth Military Academy and a Bachelor of Science degree from Columbia College.  He married Diana L. Boyd on December 31. 1966 and they had 56 wonderful years together.  Diana preceded John in death on June 9, 2019.  He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lexington.  John was an Eagle Scout and a member of Tribe Mic-O-Say.  His tribal name was Running Buffalo.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 60 and a 4th degree Knights of Columbus, Council 4300.  John was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1965 and retired from the Missouri Army National Guard in 1994 as a full Colonel.  He was awarded numerous citations, awards, and decorations.  His two highest was The Legion of Merit and Meritorious Service Medal.  His proudest moment of his military career was the day he assumed command of the former 110th Engineer Battalion.  John also retired on April 1, 2005 from the United States Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District after 34 years of service. 

 

Survivors include three children, Gloria Ryun and husband Mike of Higginsville, MO, Judi Hager of Lexington, MO, and John Holman and wife D. of Kansas City, KS; ten grandchildren, Kelley, Sean, Alan, Kayla, Gabe, Katie, Johnny, Stephen, Kennen and Buddy; eight great-grandchildren, Hunter, Brantley, Rowan, Liam, Elizabeth, Anthony, Lucas, and Katherine; mother-in-law, Retha Boyd of Oak Grove, MO; a sister, Mary Ann Florence and husband Robert “Bob” of Lexington, MO; a brother, William “Bill” Holman and wife LaWanda of Lexington, MO; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. 

 

John was preceded in death by his parents and wife.