Lonnie Leo Holder

Lonnie Leo Holder, passed away on Friday, November 25, 2022. He is survived by his sons, Lonnie (Scooter) and wife, Lisa; Ronnie and wife, Kelly; and Dale wife, Becky - all of Houston; and his daughter Kim Powell and husband, Bryan of NC; His grandchildren: Annie Caden, and husband, Luke (Sugarland), Mitchell Holder and wife, Kasia (Richmond) Beau Holder (Houston), Haley Holder (Houston), Quinn Holder (Houston) Austin Powell and wife, Logan (Washington, DC) , Aly Miller and husband, Ryan (Raleigh, NC), and Amanda Powell (Greenville, NC); His Great grandchildren, Kate, Maggie, Elizabeth, Tristan & Charlotte.

Leo was born on October 16, 1934 in Santo, Texas. He attended more than a dozen schools before his family settled in the greater Houston area in 1947 at which time his father, Lonnie F. Holder and uncle, Odell Holder, began the family business of Holder’s Pest Control. Leo was an avid Boy Scout and earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout. He attended the World Jamboree in Valley Forge in 1950, and visited Philmont Scout Ranch in 1952. In 1953, Leo graduated from Lamar High school, where he was a part of the National Honor Society and The Arrowhead Honor Society. He went on to graduate from The Rice Institute in 1957 and then received his commission into the US Navy. His first tour of active duty was from 1957 - 1959 aboard the USS Rochester (CA 124). He was re-called for active duty again from 1961-1962 aboard the USS Howard D. Crow (DE 252) where he was the Lieutenant Commander. He remained in the Naval Reserves until 1968.

After his service in the Navy, Leo worked for the family business, Holder’s Pest Control. He served on The Greater Houston Pest Control Association (President, 1969) and The Texas Pest Control Association (President, 1969). He was appointed to The Texas Structural Pest Control Board by Texas Governor, Dolph Brisco in 1973, serving as Board Chairman from 1973 - 1975. Leo was a charter member of The Sharpstown Exchange Club, and served as president in 1975. In 1983, Holder’s pest Control was sold and Leo briefly left the industry. He served on the Texas Gulf Coast District Exchange Club as District Director from 1986-1987. In 1988 he got back into the bug business by purchasing Coastal Fumigators. In 1995, Leo was named one of the ten most outstanding leaders of the pest control industry in The United States.

Along with work, Leo had numerous hobbies. He earned his pilot's license in 1971, allowing him to travel for hunting and fishing trips with friends and colleagues. In 1979 and again in 1982, Leo and his father went to Africa on hunting safaris. During these trips, they claimed some outstanding trophies, including an elephant, two lions, a leopard, cape buffalo, zebra and many others.

After retirement in 2008, Leo had time to polish his golf game. He made a Hole In One on four different occasions. He had the opportunity to visit the Master’s Tournament numerous times as well as The US Open, the Pebble Beach Classic, and the Mercedes-Benz Classic.

In his later years, Leo served as a starter on the Brier Creek Golf Course and the Pine Crest Golf Course where he perfected his joke telling skills, storytelling, and knowledge of golf statistics. Golfers were greeted with a joke and stats about his favorites. He was a volunteer for the Shell Houston Open for several years, allowing him to meet a few pros. Leo also spent much time reconnecting with his Rice and Lamar alumni, as well as buddies from the USS Rochester.

Leo had an extraordinary life of 88 years and will be missed by many. He always strived to share a smile and good laugh with others. The family takes comfort knowing that his stories and jokes will live on through them and his friends for years to come. May he run through the pearly gates like Forrest Gump!

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation your favorite charity in Dad's honor.