Lee Talbot Holt

Lee T. Holt, age 36, passed away on May 21, 2012 in a tragic automobile accident while returning from what he loved to do most, camping with his family. He was born December 30, 1975, in Mesa, Arizona to Anice Talbot and Joseph W. Holt, the fifth of twelve children.

Lee was raised in the Phoenix valley where he attended and graduated with honors from Tolleson Union High School while also competing in swimming, golf, football and his ultimate love, basketball. He was active in FFA (Future Farmers of America) and numerous other social activities. He shared every class his freshman year with Melissa Peña. It took all four years of high school to finally steal her heart, but Lee and Melissa were married on August 27, 1994.

Lee and Melissa had 6 beautiful children, five boys and finally a princess. Lee dedicated all of his thoughts, feelings and actions to the happiness and success of his family. His favorite title in life was “Dad” although he accumulated many accolades and awards. Lee’s positive outlook on life affected all who knew him. He was the “go to” guy for problems or fun. His mom always considered him the peacemaker in the family.

His intelligence was broad and his interests varied. He earned the Regents’ scholarship out of high school and never stopped researching, learning and teaching. Selfishness and greed were not in his vocabulary or his temperament. He was very giving and generous with his time, talents, and resources. He was always up for a good time, and made sure that everyone was included and welcomed.

He spent his time encouraging, coaching, and guiding everyone he came in contact with. He wanted to make sure that anyone who would listen could benefit from his experiences. He coached his children’s baseball, basketball and other teams and clubs. He was always ready to assist his children in solving for variables or building a science fair project. Not only did he pass on his love of learning and education to his children, but he also passed on his passion of sports. He molded his children into valley sports fans, and it wasn’t uncommon for the family to break away to a Suns or Diamondbacks game after a day of work.

He successfully managed and expanded the family business as the General Manager of Sage and Sand Potato Processing Company, Inc. He was able to accomplish very difficult tasks through hard work, concentration and reason.

Lee was preceded in death by his second son, Travis Jacob Holt. He is survived by his parents Anice and Joseph Holt of Avondale, AZ; wife Melissa Peña Holt, children Derrick Lee Holt (17), Noah Joseph Holt (13), Ryan Paul Holt (11), Hayden Michael Holt (9) and Isabella Grace Holt (4) of Buckeye, AZ; siblings Trevor (Angi) Holt of St. George, UT, Alan (Lianne) Holt of Gilbert, AZ, Kyle (Cari) Holt of Litchfield Park, AZ, Justin (Lydia) Holt of Venus, TX, Bradley Holt of Avondale, AZ, Hilary (Mead) Myrick of Mesa, AZ, Ward (Randi) Holt of Enterprise, UT, Kevin (Vanessa) Holt of Queen Creek, AZ, Neal (Sydney) Holt of Rexburg, ID, Megan (Chris) Miller of Buckeye, AZ, and Mitchell Holt of Phoenix, AZ, 22 nieces and nephews, and Grandmother Ella (Ray) Palmer of St. George, UT.

Lee is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 1:00 PM at the Goodyear Stake Center, 425 North Estrella Parkway, Goodyear, AZ. A viewing/visitation will be held Friday, May 25, 2012 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Greer-Wilson Funeral Home 5921 West Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ and Saturday prior to the services from Noon to 1:00 PM.

A memorial fund has been created at Wells Fargo for the benefit of Lee’s children. Donations can be made to the Lee T. Holt Memorial Fund.