DON JEAN HOLT was born in Western Grove, Arkansas on October 6, 1929 to Troy and Willa (Robinson) Holt. Don graduated from Western Grove High School in 1947 and attended Arkansas Tech in Russellville until enlisting in the United States Army in 1950, serving in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal in 1953. Following his discharge, he moved to Tulsa and began a life-long career in the aviation industry. Don and Lurley were married September 26, 1958 at Eastside Christian Church. In 1960, they moved to Los Angeles, CA where both their children were born. They also lived in Phoenix AZ, San Antonio, TX, Denver, CO and St. Louis, MO. During his employment with Continental Airlines, he served as a Director of Passenger Service on domestic flights as well as military flights to and from Vietnam. In 1968, they returned to American Airlines in Tulsa, where he worked until his retirement in 1992. He had a life-long love of aviation, traveling extensively, and was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association Foundation. Don was a 32nd Degree Mason, and a member of Tulsa Scottish Rite. He was also active in Akdar Shrine and devoted to providing transportation for burned & crippled children to various Shrine Hospitals. He faithfully served on the Board of Governors for the Shriners Hospital for Children in Galveston, TX for nine years. He was Director of the Mini-Kar Unit and served on the appointed line.
Don was a long-time member of Christview Christian Church and the Promises Sunday School Class. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Don is survived by his wife, Lurley, son Mitchell Don Holt and wife, Cindy of Owasso; daughter Shaunna Lee Hjelm and husband Steve of Tulsa, grandchildren Jennifer Ann Allen and husband Zachary, Joshua Mitchell Don Holt, and Steven Erik Hjelm, Jr., and great-grandson Jakob Zachary Allen. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Don?s memory to Akdar Shrine Children?s Patient Transportation Fund, 2808 S. Sheridan Rd, Tulsa, OK 74129-1014.
Viewing held Tuesday 12/10/13 from 6 - 8PM at Moore?s Southlawn. Service will be at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, December 11, 2013, Moore Southlawn Chapel. Burial following at Highland Cemetery, Pawnee, OK at 2 PM. Moore?s Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com