Graveside service: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 15, 2017, at Weaver Cemetery in Ozark with Pastor Michael Hamilton officiating. Informal visitation: 5:30-7:00 p.m. Friday, April 14, 2017, at Holden Cremation and Funeral Service, Sparta.
Walter Glenn Holden, 90, of Ozark, died April 11, 2017. He was born in Springfield, June 23, 1926, the son of Chester and Eunice (Manning) Holden. Walter was raised north of Springfield in the area which is now known as Fellows Lake. He grew up working on the farm with his father and grandfather. He learned how to work and break horses as a young man. On Oct. 17, 1944, he enlisted in the United States Army. During his service, he served as a corporal. Walter’s duty during his service time was a calvary instructor at Fort Riley, Kansas. There, he taught many soldiers how to properly load the pack mules, saddle horses and care for the animals before they were sent overseas during World War II.
After his return home from the Army, he and Florene Morris were united in marriage Dec. 17, 1949, and to this union one son, Rodney was born. Walter worked many years in various jobs but mostly as a maintenance man at Springfield Tablet Factory. He was also a very gifted woodworker and after his retirement from the factory, he went to work for his son doing cabinetry and finish carpentry. Walter was always making various things for family and friends and was very creative with ideas for something new to build.
Walter loved fishing, golfing and bowling. He enjoyed spending time at his lake cabin located on Bull Shoals Lake. He enjoyed fishing and bowling with his friend and brother-in-law Ralph Shockley. Walter remained in a bowling league till his late 80s and looked forward to bowling and spending time with friends. He also loved going to coffee every morning with his neighbors and did so for over 20 years. Walter was a very generous person, he always put others ahead of himself and would help anyone who asked.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Florene; his parents, Chester and Eunice Holden; and a brother Roscoe Holden.
Walter is survived by his son Rodney Holden; his grandchildren Myka Morgan and Matthew Holden; great grandchildren Devon and Mikayla Morgan; three sisters, Lois Shockley, Geraldine Morris, and Barbara Tiedt and husband Carl; nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Arrangements under the direction of Holden Cremation and Funeral Service. Online condolences may be left at www.holdenfunerals.com.
