Dyane O. Holt

Dyane Orlane Holt, our brother and uncle, was diagnosed with lung cancer in May 2012, and though he enthusiastically insisted he would beat the odds, he lost his fight due to complications and passed away Thursday, November 8, 2012, at the age of 69 at Life Care Center in Idaho Falls.

Dyane and his twin brother, Wyane, were born April 18, 1943, at their home on the family farm in Mountain Grove, Mo., to parents Elmer and Minnie V. Holt. Dyane and Wyane were the seventh and eighth children out of a family of 10 and grew up on the farm, milking cows and raising corn.

When time came to attend grade school, he walked three miles, one way, to the Shady Grove Country School. He attended high school in Cabool, which turned out to be a big experience, since the district furnished a car for Dyane to transport the rural kids to the bus stop each day. For one of his projects in his shop class, he lovingly made a hope chest out of cedar wood that he gave to his mother.

Following graduation, Dyane took the big plunge and hopped a bus to Arco, Idaho, where he stayed with his brother, Vernon, while he looked for work. That summer he worked on a farm in Carey for Maggie Payne, and in the fall he moved back to Arco and worked for Jim Hepworth at the Lost River Bowl. This led to his passion for bowling, and for a time he considered entering the professional association. Over the years, he received many awards including Bowler of the Year, league championships and his memorable 299 game.

In 1965, Dyane was drafted into the army. He served during the Vietnam Conflict, where his service took him to Hawaii, Okinawa and finally to Saigon, where he was wounded in combat. Upon his discharge in 1967, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Purple Heart with first and second Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal, Driver and Mechanics Badge with Bar and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After his discharge he returned to Arco to work for Mary Kribs at the Lost River Bowl, where he met the love of his life, Wanda Lee Alves. They had one son, Ronnie Ray.

In 1969, Dyane also began a 35-year career as a laborer, working for several construction companies as a member of Laborers Local Union #155, with the majority of his work at the INL site.

Wanda succumbed to cancer July 2, 1990. After Wanda's passing, Dyane enjoyed a longtime companionship with Teresa Jones Biorn.

Dyane retired from the INL in 2004, when the computer age began to infiltrate the workplace, saying his fingers did not fit "those machines." He enjoyed retirement, as it allowed him more time to visit with the crew at Pickles Place, participate in the local dart league and become a fix-it guy.

He was a sports fan and enjoyed many evenings with his friends at the Village Club, where he watched football and staunchly supported his Pittsburgh Steelers. He followed the race car circuit, sitting through all the laps patiently waiting for the final rounds "where all the action was." He especially enjoyed the times he spent debating the strategy of the drivers with his nephew, Kevin. He enjoyed bluegrass music and fondly remembers his Aunt Zula and Uncle Junior playing their guitars as they entertained the family on various occasions. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Dyane is survived by his son, Ron (Michelle) Holt; his brothers and sisters, Ret. Marine Staff Sgt. Louis R. (Joyce) Holt, Velma (Lyle) Harrison, Leona (Melvin) Sanders, Vernon D. (LaNea) Holt, Wyane E. Holt and companion Bobbie Plaster, Thelma (Von) Kincheloe, Lonnie R. (Charlotte) Holt, and Sherman Ivan Holts' widow, Mildred; three granddaughters, BrieAnna, Clarissa and Brooke Holt; his Aunt Zula Plunk; 10 nieces; and 10 nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Sherman Ivan Holt; one sister, Evelyn Baney; his wife, Wanda; and companion, Teresa.

Dyane was a very special person that we loved a great deal, and his memory will be held in our hearts forever.

Family Tribute