Earnest Walley (E.W.) Holden, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, age 89, of Allen, TX, and Decatur, IL passed away January 22, 2015. He was born in Osceola, Iowa on July 18, 1925, son of Ernest and Mamie (Baker) Holden. He married Shirley Cox of Marion, IL in 1951 at the First Baptist Church in Decatur. Together they raised 3 children and enjoyed 63 years of marriage. Their marriage served as an inspiration, and a reminder of the importance of faith, family and commitment.
Walley proudly served his country during both WWII and the Korean War in the Air Force, serving as a navigator, 2nd Lieutenant, flying B-29s and A-26s. He received his bachelors in accounting from Bowling Green Kentucky University and worked for A.E. Staley for over 35 years in the tax department.
E.W. was a great man of faith, and known for his devotion to the First Baptist Church in Decatur serving as a deacon as well as in many other capacities. He was always known as “the one to call with any need”. He was selfless and dedicated.
Walley had many interests including spending time with his family, traveling around the world, camping, and working on his computer. He loved fast cars and the Indy 500. He was an avid bicyclist, riding his bike 20-30 miles a day. Those who knew him, remember his smile and infectious laugh. He loved people, and touched the lives of many throughout the years, and was a gift to us all.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley (Cox) Holden of Allen, Texas; children, Gary Holden of Albuquerque, Vicki Holden Croxton and husband Fred of Allen, and Larry Holden and wife, Kristina of Plano, Texas; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; sister, Jean Spellerberg of Bloomington, MN; and a host of other loving family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Wilene Woods, and her husband, Doyle Woods.
A memorial service will be held at 10am on Friday, January 30th at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow chapel in Allen, TX. Interment with military honors will be at the DFW National Cemetery.