Thomas Allan Holt Jr.

Thomas (Tom) Allan Holt, Jr. passed away peacefully September 26, 2025, after courageously facing Alzheimer’s with dementia since 2022. He was 78 years old and led a Christ filled life filled with purpose and love and devotion to family and friends.

A devoted husband, stepfather, grandfather (Papi), son, brother, uncle, and cherished friend, Tom will be remembered for his sharp mind, quick wit, generous heart, and steadfast spirit. His kindness and quiet strength left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Thomas was born on December 29, 1946, in Kennett, Missouri, to Thomas Allan Holt and Blanche Cecil (Perkins) Holt. He spent his early years on a farm near Manila, Arkansas, until about the age of 15. After graduating high school early, he attended Crowley’s Ridge College, completing an Associate of Arts degree before turning 20.

On October 6, 1965, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Thomas served during the Vietnam War with the 6994th Security Squadron, serving as a Morse Intercept Operator aboard an EC-47 aircraft performing Airborne Radio Direction Finding (ARDF) missions. He was proud to serve in a squadron that carried the motto, “Unarmed, Alone and Unafraid.” Stationed primarily in Nha Trang, he forged a lifelong friendship including one with ‘his brother from another mother’, Bobby Billups, as well numerous others. He was honorably discharged as Sergeant on July 21, 1969.

After military service, he attended Arkansas State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in May 1974, Master of Business Administration in August 1975, and another Bachelor of Science in May 1983. He also attended University of Houston, to complete additional finance courses, to become a CPA.

Tom worked on numerous projects in the states, overseas and in Canada. In the late 1980’s he went to work at Krug Life Sciences. In March of 1990—while indulging his well-known sweet tooth for M&Ms and Diet Coke—he met the love of his life, Jeanette (Hirsch) Quinton. Their bond quickly grew, and they were joyfully married on February14, 1991. With this marriage, he fully embraced his role as stepfather to April (age 10) and Brandon (age 6). He wanted to be known simply as “Tom,” and wholeheartedly embraced his new family and extended family. He offered help with homework, pressed for table etiquette, encouraging career aspirations, and sharing his organizational skills. He guided them through their ideas and ventures, always asking for data, business plans, and financing before providing feedback and advice.

At age 58, while working for a contractor at NASA, Tom applied for and accepted an overseas position with KBR in Basra, Iraq. While working overseas, Thomas and Jeanette cherished their reunions during R&R’s in Houston and abroad, making memories together. He always returned home for important family milestones, such as April’s wedding. After the project ended, he returned home and continued working with KBR until about age 68, when his division was sold.

Thomas Allan Holt, Jr. was baptized as a boy and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Pasadena, TX, on January 27, 2002. On April 1, 2016, Jeanette and Thomas became members of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Pearland, TX. Understanding and living the Christian faith was very important in his life.

He lived a life full of love, laughter, humor, and remarkable accomplishments. He never met a stranger & loved to talk about April, Brandon & all his grandchildren. He cared deeply for his family, his wife’s family, lifelong friends, and countless colleagues. He mentored many —encouraging higher education, providing career guidance, and teaching how to treat others with respect. His legacy has left an indelible mark on his community and all who knew him.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Jeanette G. (Hirsch) Holt; stepchildren, April M. (Quinton) Gamblin and Brandon C. Quinton with his wife, Emily (Adair) Quinton; grandchildren, Avery G. Quinton, Bennett C. Quinton, Brady C. Gamblin, and Palmer M. Gamblin; numerous In-laws, and nieces, nephews, and cousins. All will forever cherish the memories of joyful gatherings, heartfelt conversations, and the steadfast support he provided.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Allan, and Blanche Cecil (Perkins) Holt; and his brother, Talmadge Wayne Holt, as well as his In-laws: Lawrence Hirsch, LaVerne Hirsch, Cynthia A Hirsch, and Robert L Hirsch.

We celebrate an extraordinary life, whose warmth, quiet strength, and unwavering faith left an enduring mark on all who knew him. Tom’s legacy of compassion, resilience, and grace will continue to inspire and uplift those privileged to share in his journey.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service celebrating Thomas’s life on October 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Forest Park East Funeral Home, 21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Epiphany Lutheran Church, an church dear to Thomas and Jeanette’s hearts, or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Thomas will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of compassion, integrity, and love will live on in our hearts forever.

Through Jesus Christ, he is at peace.