Herbert H Holden

in Magnolia, Arkansas, on January 30, 1930, to parents, Herbert Webster

Holden and Mildred Hinson Holden. He was raised by his stepparents,

Horace Cotten and Jalene Johnson Cotten.

A Memorial Service is scheduled at First Baptist Church Chapel, 11:00 a.m. on

Saturday, March 26, 2016, with Rev. Bobby Smith officiating. A private

interment will take place at the Houston National Veterans’ Cemetery.

When you met Herbert Holden, commonly known as “Herb” you met a

oneofakind guy. He was a wonderful, kindhearted, adventurous man who

could smile with his eyes. He never said a cross word and always cared more

about others than he did himself. People were naturally drawn to him even

over the last few years while he was bedridden. He never complained and

always had an upbeat spirit. Herb had a belief system that enabled him to do

anything he attempted. He would often tell his daughter, “There is nothing

you can’t do, you just haven’t been taught how.” Herb allowed himself to

read books and learn anything. He built large model airplanes which he flew

with other model enthusiasts at local airfields built for this purpose. He

actually built a oneman helicopter, flew it and crashed! He then built

another one and promptly sold it. Enough was enough.

Herb was a devoted Christian raised Baptist. He believed the Bible and lived

it as an example to his family. By trade he was a mechanical engineer for

Lockheed. He proudly served our country in the United States Army for two

years towards the end of the Korean War.

During his free time he taught himself computers and became an expert in

advanced PhotoShop. He taught seniors in the community to use the

computer. He had the ability to retain what he read and used it. To his family

and friends he was bigger than life and will be greatly missed.

Herb is preceded in death by his parents; stepparents; daughter, Brenda

Joyce Holden; brother, Kenneth Holden and first wife Carmon Ophelia

Holden.

He is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Emily Quattlebaum Benham

Holden; children, Linda Snyder and husband David; Larry Holden and wife

Carlene; Debbie Tanner and husband Don; Lee Benham and wife Dawn;

Rebecca Johanson and husband Bob; Grandchildren: Erin Boyd and husband

Lance; Karen Elkins and husband Derek; Brian Holden, Melissa Naymick,

Krystal Holden, Danny Catron, Dorothy Tinkle and husband Ron, Sabrina

Crutch and husband Tom, Prissy Roberts and husband Jason, Justin Benham,

Harli Benham, Brittani Benham, Emily’Anne Decker, Andy Decker; sixteen

great grandchildren; sister, Mildred Smith; and numerous nieces and

nephews.

His family would like to give “special thanks” to Dr. Vijaya Pokala, who once

referred to Herb as a walking miracle.