La Grande, Oregon
Thomas Martin Holt
Thomas Martin Holt, 72, died at his home Feb. 21.
He was born Sept. 2, 1934, in Marquette, Kan., to John Charles Lucas and Eunice Louise (Johnson) Holt.
The family intends to hold a memorial service for family and friends in the La Grande area sometime this summer. Details for this will be forthcoming. Memorials in Tom Holt’s name can be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 902 Fourth St., La Grande 97850.
Mr Holt was raised and educated in Marquette. He graduated from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan., with a BA in business administration in 1956.
Mr. Holt married Judith Corinne Miller in 1956. The two then spent a few years teaching and coaching in the Midwest.
They moved to Denver where he attended Denver University, graduating with an MBA in 1963. He then accepted a job with Boise Cascade as an accountant. He moved the family to Boise. He moved up the ranks within the company and was asked to take on a controller position in a regional office in La Grande.
The family settled on a small ranch in Summerville where they spent 32 years raising kids and becoming a part of the community and church, including serving as president of the congregation at Zion Lutheran Church.
Mr. Holt retired from Boise Cascade in 1993 and while in retirement became active in the Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative and served on the board of directors for several years.
While in Eastern Oregon, Mr. Holt participated with the three kids in all their endeavors, including sports and academia. He was elected and served on both local and state school boards.
It is in Oregon where he pursued his true interests in raising and trading horses and mules. His hobby expanded into raising draft horses, mules and race horses.
His role expanded to creating a favorite gathering place for his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; children and spouses, Keri and Randall Fowler of Pocatello, Idaho, Kris and Vicki Holt of Murphy, Texas, and Kurtis and Lisa Fowler, also of Pocatello; and eight grandchildren. He waspreceded in death by a brother, Dennis Holt.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.colonial-funeralhome.com.
The Observer – Obituaries for the week ending Feb. 24, 2007 Published: February 24, 2007