Don Holden

Don Holden Obituary

Don C Holden passed away on March 8, 2025 in Marble Falls, Texas at the age of 93. He was born May11, 1931 in Hamlin, Texas to Carl and Hattie Routh Holden. He attended schools in Abilene, Texas and graduated from Abilene High School in 1948. Before entering the army in 1950, he attended McMurray College, Abilene. He was released from the Army active duty in 1952 at the rank of Sergeant First Class and enrolled in Texas Technological College in Lubbock, Texas. Shortly after enrolling, Don married Wynelle Chaney in Abilene. They had two children: Donna and Steve. Don graduated from Texas Tech in 1956 as a civil engineer. His first employment was with Magnolia Petroleum Company. He was later employed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Holdens lived in several places during their life together: Lubbock, Texas; Duncan, Oklahoma; Lake Charles, Louisiana; Forth Worth, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Marble Falls, Texas. Don retired from the Corps of Engineers as a supervisor in 1989 after working there for about 27 years. He was involved in planning water resources projects and architect-engineer contracts for the design of military and civil works projects.

In retirement, the Holdens did some traveling, were involved in volunteer jobs, and enjoyed living on their acreage. Don was a member of the Methodist and Nazarene churches.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Hattie and brother Jack. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Wynelle, his children Donna Helgeson (Dan), Steve Holden (Sid), four grandchildren: Jennifer Wright (David), Christopher Bradford, Bradley Holden (Karla), Brandi Harvey (Christopher), three step grandchildren Tanner Henshaw (Monica), Trevor Lemon, and Taylor Moderle (Karsten). He is survived by 14 great and step great grandchildren. He is also survived by brother Gean Holden (Sheena) and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be in Abilene at the Hamil Family Funeral Home from 2-4pm, Sunday, March 16. Graveside services and burial will be at Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene, Texas at 11:00am Monday, March 17.