Lt. Col. Arnold Waldon Holder

1930 ∼ 2013

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Retired Lt. Col. Arnold Waldon Holder, 83, of Port Arthur, Texas passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at Harbor Hospice House in Beaumont, Texas. He was born on August 1, 1930 in Prescott, Arkansas to the late Ira Arnold and Katie Hooks Holder. He served his country proudly in the U. S. Army National Guard. He was a member of Proctor Baptist Church in Port Arthur.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland with Rev. Dr. Rick Erwin and Rev. Frank Hodges officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 11, 2013 at the funeral home.

Arnold is preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Jacqueline Wyona Buckner Holder. He is survived by his wife, Margurite Richardson Holder of Port Arthur; son, James Waldon Holder of Hemphill; step-son, Dale F. Bates of Port Arthur; daughter, Shannon Holder Gann of Nederland; grandchildren, Shonda and Mikal Weaver, Kerri and Joshua Sheppard, Stephanie and Christopher Justice, Clifford Burke, Jr., James Andrew and Cara Holder; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Benni Jo Kelley of Port Arthur; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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Condolences

George King October 12, 2013

I always enjoyed working and visiting with Arnold. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. George King

Farrell Smith October 12, 2013

COL Holder was my battalion commander when he commanded the 1st Battalion, 133rd Field Artillery. He was an excellent commander during a time of US Army budget cuts, troop drawdowns and challenging retention. I remember when I came in the battalion hearing about him going to Airborne school at age 38 which is a tremendous feat and converting over from an engineer officer to a field artillery officer. There are not many officers that can make that claim. He had a reputation of meeting every challenge head on which earned him the respect of all soldiers he commanded. He served his country with distinction and I am proud to have been one of his troops. My sincerest condolences to all his family. Our country was well served! Farrell Smith

L E October 12, 2013

May Jehovah God comfort and strengthen Mr. Holder's loved ones. Job 14:14,15, Acts 24:15, Psalms 37:29

Shane Reedy October 11, 2013

Shonda, Mikal and Family, We are sorry for your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We pray that you will experience the peace of God, and know that His grace and love is sufficient in time of sorrow. The Reedy Family

Monty Kelley October 10, 2013

Uncle Dunk was quite a man. I remember he had a nickname for just about everybody. Because I had black hair he called me "Diego". Also I remember one summer when he gave me and my brother Kim a year membership to the YMCA when it was on 9th Avenue and 12th street. We lived there and had some great times. He would always do things to excite us; like setting off a concussion gernade in his back yard, taking us once to the shooting range that the Army used. I remember I watched my first Super Bowl in color with him on Green Avenue...the Cowboys won 24-3 over the Dolphins. Lot of great memories. Thanks Uncle Dunk. Love you. See you later.

Charlotte Metreyeon October 10, 2013

Charlotte Metreyeon lit a candle in memory of Lt. Col. Arnold Waldon Holder