Willis Dee Holdeman, aka “Chuck,” Dad, Uncle Dee, Uncle Chuck, and granddad, went to be with Jesus September 29, 2018 at the age of 88. He was the sixth of seven sons (Percy, Morris, Lacy, Wilbur, Harlin, Willis and Kenneth) and one daughter (Twila) born to his Church of God in Christ, Mennonite parents, Joseph and Esther, who were farmers. He married Cleo Ann Rackley in 1951 shortly after returning from the Korean War as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps. After trying his hand in the aircraft industry (at Beech and Boeing) and as a plumber he eventually settled on carpentry, having a very able mentor in his father-in-law, Jess. He finished his long career in carpentry with Halsey-Tevis installing interior systems: acoustical ceilings, movable partitions, etc. After retiring he put his considerable skills to use, building several home decks along with various pieces of furniture for friends and family. Known as “the Candy Man” he gave away hundreds of homemade peanut clusters and thousands of mints. Along his journey of nearly 89 years he was a dedicated scoutmaster to his sons and served diligently in his church. He and Cleo had four loving children: Tom (and wife, Wanda), Brad (and wife, Carolyn), Margie (and husband, Ray) and Jamie (and husband, James). God also blessed him with seven grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and a whole passel of nieces and nephews. He is survived by his younger brother, Kenny. Committing his life to Christ as an adult, he was a faithful husband, godly role model for his children and a good provider. He will be missed greatly but has left us a rich spiritual heritage and we will see him again. Services will be held at First MB Church, 8000 W. 21st Street, Wichita, KS, Saturday, October 6, 2018, 10:00 a.m. Memorial has been established with First MB Church. On-line condolences can be left at www.resthavenmortuary-cemetery.com.
