Don Frederick Holt

Don Frederick Holt died peacefully in Austin, Texas, July 5, 2021. He was born in Marshall, Texas on June 8, 1943 to Donnie and Brooks Holt . His childhood was spent in Denton, TX with sister Carol Holt Garrison and brother Judd Holt III along with cousins who were like brothers, George Bristol and David Bristol. He attended Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth on a basketball scholarship and The University of Texas at Galveston Medical School. He was in the first graduating class at the University of Texas Medical School of San Antonio. He married the love of his life, Vicki Lamb in April of 1969 after knowing each other for approximately 6 months. They were married 52 years. After a tour in the US Navy in Honolulu, HI , he opened a family practice in Denton, TX where he served the local community for 35 years. They retired to San Antonio, and later to Austin, TX. Don and Vicki had three daughters who have wonderful families including Holly Holt Thoden of Austin, TX, husband Phil, and children, Brooks, Sally, and Cate, Brooke Holt Denby of Columbus, OH, her husband Nick and children Grayson and Doug, and Betsy Holt Johnson of Boulder, CO and her husband Luke and children Molly and Heidi.

Don was kind. He was hilarious. He was smart. He was loving. He was selfless. He was efficient. He was effective. He was caring. He was compassionate. He was always there for his family. He knew how to live life and he lived without regret. He did the right thing and learned from his mistakes. He enjoyed life and made it look easy. He took care of himself, took naps, and ate well. Don didn’t pass up a good pie or anything delicious. He loved to exercise because he knew it was good for him. Things that were good for him, were good for us. They made him present with his family. He loved his family fiercely and though he was one mellow dude, and a man of few words when it came to emotions, we all felt his love. We felt it with each hug, each kiss, each phone call, each tuck in at night as kids. He always said he loved us, and we always knew it. We also knew when we were in a LOT of trouble because he got his point across with a facial expression of disappointment. That was the worst punishment of all time – to disappoint Dad.

Don was gentle. He was not one to jump to conclusions about anyone or any situation. He analyzed the situation, be it politics or what his daughters were wearing. He thought about a diplomatic response to all situations. Our parents said (who knows which one, because they were a combined force) “the toughest thing to be is middle of the road.” And they were right. May we all become a bit more like Don Holt in this way.

We will all miss him. We have all missed him for quite some time. A deteriorating brain is one of the cruelest endings for a family.

The next time you hear Mariachi music, or John Denver, or have your feet in cool water (and preferably a stream in Colorado), think of Don. These things brought him much joy. Hug your family. Don was loved by all who knew him. A family Celebration of Life will be held in Ft. Worth, TX.

Donations in his honor may be made to the Alzheimers Foundation of Texas or the Denton Public School Foundation.