Dale Chris Holt

Colonel Dale Chris Holt passed peacefully in his sleep on the morning of May 15, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on March 3, 1938, in Salt Lake City to Dale Crosbie Holt and Helen Woodrow Jensen, Dale was the oldest of four children and was followed by his three sisters: Linda Jane Taylor, Chauna Middleton, and Janice Eichbauer.

Dale graduated from West High School in 1956. During high school, he was active in JROTC, which inspired a lifelong dedication to military service. He attended the University of Utah before joining the United States Army Reserves in 1955. After two years in the Army and an honorable discharge, he enlisted in the United States Air Force the very next day, beginning a distinguished military career that spanned decades. During his service, Dale completed three tours in Germany, two tours in Vietnam, and numerous stateside assignments. He retired as a Colonel and Director of Maintenance at Edwards Air Force Base in July 1987.

Decorations and honors include:

Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service medal, Air Medal, AF Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, Small Arms Expert Pistol Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, AF Longevity Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, AF Overseas Service Long Tour Ribbon, AF Training Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, AF Presidential Unit Citation, AF Outstanding Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

While serving on his first tour in Germany, Dale met Patricia “Pat” Mae Harmer while square dancing. They married in 1961 and were sealed for time and all eternity with their children in the Oakland California Temple in 1974. Together they welcomed three children: Kathryn “Kitty” Smallwood, Dale Chris Holt II, and Clifford “Cliff” Holt. Pat passed away in October 1978.

In March 1979, Dale met Jacqueline “Jackie” Lee Winters Stamps at a church conference in Santa Rosa. They married in May 1979 and were sealed as a family in the Oakland California Temple for time and all eternity. Their blended family included Jackie’s son, Steven Stamps, and later grew with the additions of Patrick Holt and Teresa Simeroth, completing their beloved “yours, mine, and ours” family.

In August 1987, the family moved to Arlington, settling into their forever home in 1988. Dale began a second career with American Airlines in 1988, starting as what he affectionately called a “bag smasher” before becoming a ground school instructor. He retired in 2008 after 20 years of dedicated service, helping train and mentor countless pilots and serving faithfully in his union.

Outside of work, Dale was a lifelong Boy Scouter. As a youth, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and completed every merit badge available at the time. He continued his commitment to Scouting throughout adulthood alongside his sons, serving as Scoutmaster, Commissioner, and Advancement Chairman for Troop 520 and the Longhorn Council. Together with Jackie, he also helped run many Cub Scout day camps.

Dale was an avid fan of the Texas Rangers and shared season tickets with friends through both the original Arlington Stadium and The Ballpark in Arlington. He loved taking his family to games and treasured watching the Rangers defeat the New York Yankees in the 2010 ALCS from the third row behind home plate as they advanced to their first World Series.

He was also deeply devoted to his faith and actively served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The children at church affectionately knew him as “The Candy Man,” always ready with a sweet treat for those who made it through church reverently.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather David Redford; sisters Linda, Chauna, and Janice; brother-in-law Steve Eichbauer; nephew Mark; and his first wife, Pat.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jackie; children Kitty, Chris (Karen), Cliff (Cherry), Steven Stamps (Rhonda), Patrick, and Teresa (Patrick Simeroth); grandchildren Tamara (Mike Betzer), Sarah (Gabriel Baughman), Jared (Kelli), Alex May, Seren and Bohdan Stamps, Josephine and Elliott Simeroth; great-grandson George Maverick Holt; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness, humor, faith, and steadfast example.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your preferred charity.