Donald Bradford Holt

Donald Bradford Holt was born August 6, 1932 to Bill and Lavina Holt. The second of four children, his grandparents came as Sooners to settle Shawnee, Oklahoma. Don met the love of his life, Norma Jean Lynch, in junior high. Don always knew what he wanted – Norma Jean, flying airplanes, and to be the boss on an oil rig. He joined the National Guard in high school to take flying lessons. Two weeks later the Korean War began. He left with the 45th Infantry Division – The Thunderbirds. On 9/1/51, The Thunderbirds activated as the first National Guard division deployed to the Far East Theater since World War II, arriving in Korea in December, 1951 with advanced training completed. The division moved to the front line to replace the 1st Cavalry Division - delegated to the Far East reserve after suffering over 16,000 casualties in 18 months. Don rose to Sargent First Class. Donald used his GI Bill to attend college and graduated with a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering from Tulsa University in 1958. He married Norma Lynch in 1955. Their first child, Donald Bradford Holt, Jr. was born November, 1958. Don went to work in the oil field after graduation. His second child, Kira Janene, was born August, 1960. Don moved his family from Oklahoma to Corpus Christi, TX in 1965. During his career, he drilled/produced wells in Oklahoma, Texas, the Gulf of Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia, Colorado, and Alabama. Retirement involved motor coach travel from coast to coast. Don, a private pilot, provided opportunities to visit family and friends throughout life. Norma and Don celebrated their golden anniversary amid glaciers of Alaska’s Inside Passage. They cruised Europe and the Caribbean. Don golfed four days a week. Don passed away June 13, 2015. Don is survived by son Donald Bradford, Jr. (Patti) of Portland, Texas, and daughter, Kira Janene Holt (Billy Goerdt) of Wimberley, Texas. Grandfather to Trey Holt and Michele (John) Cortez and great grandfather to Sierra Morales. Also survived by one brother and many nieces and nephews, and Sassy, his Pug. Don is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, one brother, his sister, one niece and nephew, and his great-granddaughter. Don is remembered as a great husband, wonderful father, good friend, and adored by many. Graveside services are on June 20, 2:00 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, Shawnee, OK. Memorial – July 18th, pending.