William Ernest Holloway

Bill Holloway was born on March 11, 1924 in Arkansas City, Kansas. He passed away with quiet dignity Wednesday afternoon, July 26, 2017. In Heaven he rejoined the wife he adored to the very end, Nelda, who preceded him to Glory on February 29, 2012; and that day he finally met his Very Best Friend, Jesus.

Following his childhood in south-central Kansas, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on March 1, 1943 during World War II. After boot camp in San Diego, and advanced training in Camp Pendleton, Bill was sent overseas. He was in combat in the Marshall Islands and Marianas Islands campaigns. He was wounded by shrapnel in February of 1944 and gunshots in July 1944. His unit was 4th Marine Division, 20th Regiment (Pioneers) Second Platoon, company E.

After 13 months in various Navy hospitals, on July 31, 1945 he was Honorably/Medically discharged. (NOTE: In the intervening years, based on war stories and tall tales from others about their elevated military stature and rank during those years, he was known to joke that he is apparently the only Private First Class to survive World War II.)

During the last 5 months of his hospitalization, Bill met, wooed, and married Nelda L. Bristol on July 1, 1945 in Grand Junction, Colorado. The two of them reveled in each other’s company from the first date through the last kiss, and he often proudly proclaimed that this romance was the crowning achievement of his life. He was delighted when the two of them were featured in the inspirational book, Fifty and More, which showcases couples that not only survived but thrived over at least 50 years of marriage.

Over the next 40 years Bill worked 15 years in defense, agriculture, and civil service, followed by a 25-year career with Valley National Bank (now Chase), retiring in 1985 as Vice President & Manager of the Real Estate Loan Department (Headquarters). [Here we would mention his other accomplishments, including volunteer work, military medals and ribbons, and awards, etc. -- but we promised we wouldn’t do that.]

Bill and Nelda had four children, who survive them: William D. Holloway (Gloria Jo); Douglas P. Holloway (Trudy); Martin G. Holloway (Janice); and Linda James-Trujillo. Grandchildren of this union are Jennifer James, Deborah Holloway, Billy Holloway, Mike Holloway, Matt Holloway, Alex Wall, and Joe Wall; Denise (Trujillo) Truske, Deborah (Trujillo) Terracino, and Michele Trujillo.

Bill is also survived by people who claim kinship only through brief acquaintances -- sometimes during the exchange of “Jesus Money”; neighborly relationships; a niece who has called him Uncle Dad all her adult life; others who’ve dubbed him G’Pa, Uncle Grandpa, and simply “Holloway”, etc.; and still others who have enjoyed deep, rich, inspiring, and rewarding friendships with him over decades.

Bill Holloway often declared that of all CHRIST’S children, he considered himself to the most blessed. And he shared that conviction -- along with his many blessings -- with everyone fortunate enough to encounter him.

SEMPER FIDELIS: Always Faithful.

A private burial service with immediate family was held at the National Cemetery. Later this summer, family will host a celebration of life for extended family, dear ones from Bethany Bible Church and the ROMEOs,

and other friends.

TRANSITION

And when I am dead, do not bury me in some

leafy bower or grassy plot -- rather

let my mortal remains lie in the sand of

some desert spot.

For, it was in the sands of Namur, Saipan

and Iwo that my fellow Marines died and

were buried -- and it is in such a place

that my body should await the resurrection.

So let the pipes play, the drum roll and

the bugle sound taps. And do not grieve as

those without hope -- bur rejoice with

me, for I will be with Christ, the Lord.

W.E. Holloway

20th Marines

4th Division