Howard Harland Holt, CMSgt US Air Force Retired

Howard Holt, age 77, passed away October 31, 2010 after a lengthy battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was born in Delhi, MN on June 6, 1933 to Olaf and Blanche Holt. Preceding him in death were his parents, sister Margaret, and first wife Joyce Holt.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sandra N. Allison-Holt; daughter, Kathleen Holt; step- sons, Arthur Allison and wife Mary and Larry Allison; granddaughters, Amanda Allison and Madeline Allison, all of Austin; brothers, Stewart Holt and wife Lois and Richard Holt and wife Phyllis of MN; sisters, Mary Carter and husband Al of Paulsbo, WA and Shirley Brayton and daughter Susan Brayton of Ft Lauderdale, FL; numerous nieces and nephews.

Howard joined the Air Force at age 17 serving in England, Hawaii, Michigan, and San Antonio, retiring after 28 years as a Chief Master Sergeant, a veteran of the Korean War era. He earned a BS in Education and taught many classes during his time in the service. After retiring, he spent time managing Whirligig, a party store where he met his wife Sandra Allison. He was known as the "balloon man" by the teachers and children where Sandra taught, as he always brought balloons to the classroom on special occasions. Howard spent 28 years in the law offices of Blazier, Christensen, Bigelow, and Virr as a paralegal. For 27 years he served as President of Sea Isle Village Condo Association in Port Aransas while Sandra fished and shopped. They owned several motor homes and enjoyed traveling to all 49 contiguous states and Canada, usually taking the granddaughters along. Traveling 13,000 miles touring Alaska was an adventure of a lifetime. Howard spent many hours volunteering at the Zilker Garden Festival and Violet Crown Garden Club Flower shows. He was a long time member of the Retired Chief Master Sergeants Association.

Howard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, businessman and friend - he will truly be missed.

A special thank you to Dr.'s Harold Cain, Laura Gilbey, James Crout, Michael Prete and their staffs as well as Michelle, Christie and Laurie of Lighthouse Hospice for their excellent care.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Art Allison, Larry Allison, Clay Cheever, Bill Crowley, Dave Houston, and John Blazier.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday November 4th at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, North Lamar. Services will be held on Friday November 5, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in the Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel. Immediately following the service, interment with full military honors will take place at Austin Memorial Park, 2800 Hancock Dr.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lighthouse Hospice (8701 N. MoPac Expressway Ste. 420, Austin, TX 78759), Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (811 W. Evergreen Ave. Ste. 303, Chicago, IL 60642), or charity of your choice.