Obituary for Kenneth Holt
Kenneth Eugene Holt, 69 years old, passed away at his home in Lubbock Tx, on March 14th, 2023. He was born in San Marcos, Tx on June 22nd, 1953, and was a long time resident of Kyle and Lubbock, Tx . He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Margaret Holt of Kyle, Tx. He is survived by his wife Debbie, his son James Russell of Austin, his daughter Courtney Rae of Lubbock and her partner Tymberkay Alexander and their three children, Rowdy, Marli, and Jayce. Other surviving family members include two brothers, James A Holt and wife JoAnn of Kyle and Robert Holt and wife Susan of Temple, and four sisters, Lois LaCaze of Kyle, Sharon Heideman and husband Danny of Uhland, Glenda Dees and husband John of Kyle, and Janet Patterson and husband Ray of Mountain City, and numerous other family and friends across the country.
As a graduate of Hays High School in Kyle Texas, Kenneth was especially involved with the Hays Rebel Band, serving as Drum Major in his senior year. It is at this same high school that Kenneth would later meet his future wife Debbie in a one act play where he was the Schroeder to her Lucy in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, sparking a nearly 55 year love affair. This love of music and showmanship continued in his later years in life as he became one of the most avid fans of the Goin’ Band from Raiderland, often traveling with his wife Debbie, and the band, to games and events.
Kenneth loved spending his free time with family and friends, gathered around a table, filled with good food, good laughs, and good company. It has been said that he never met a stranger and welcomed all with a smile, a hug, or a strong handshake. Kenneth rarely held a grudge and willingly gave forgiveness, understanding, and empathy to family, friends, and strangers alike. He learned his charming ways while serving countless cities as a Director of Food and Beverage Services within the restaurant and hotel industry. He may have worked for some of the largest hotel brands, but Kenneth led his teams with the same small town care he learned while working in his family’s café in Kyle when he was in high school. His work ethic and dedication to fairness and equality in the workplace earned him the Oklahoma Governor’s Award for advocating for those with disabilities in the workforce. Although Kenneth took pride in his decade’s long career, it was his children, James Russell and Courtney, that he was most proud of, often bragging about them to whomever would listen.
While his later years were filled with chronic illnesses, Kenneth never lost his trademark smile, his warmth, or his love for life and the people who surrounded him. There will be a celebration of life in Driftwood, Tx, when he is interred in his beloved hill country in June. His loss cannot be measured, nor can his extraordinary life be whittled into a few paragraphs so we will end with we love you big guy, and we will see you soon.
As a graduate of Hays High School in Kyle Texas, Kenneth was especially involved with the Hays Rebel Band, serving as Drum Major in his senior year. It is at this same high school that Kenneth would later meet his future wife Debbie in a one act play where he was the Schroeder to her Lucy in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, sparking a nearly 55 year love affair. This love of music and showmanship continued in his later years in life as he became one of the most avid fans of the Goin’ Band from Raiderland, often traveling with his wife Debbie, and the band, to games and events.
Kenneth loved spending his free time with family and friends, gathered around a table, filled with good food, good laughs, and good company. It has been said that he never met a stranger and welcomed all with a smile, a hug, or a strong handshake. Kenneth rarely held a grudge and willingly gave forgiveness, understanding, and empathy to family, friends, and strangers alike. He learned his charming ways while serving countless cities as a Director of Food and Beverage Services within the restaurant and hotel industry. He may have worked for some of the largest hotel brands, but Kenneth led his teams with the same small town care he learned while working in his family’s café in Kyle when he was in high school. His work ethic and dedication to fairness and equality in the workplace earned him the Oklahoma Governor’s Award for advocating for those with disabilities in the workforce. Although Kenneth took pride in his decade’s long career, it was his children, James Russell and Courtney, that he was most proud of, often bragging about them to whomever would listen.
While his later years were filled with chronic illnesses, Kenneth never lost his trademark smile, his warmth, or his love for life and the people who surrounded him. There will be a celebration of life in Driftwood, Tx, when he is interred in his beloved hill country in June. His loss cannot be measured, nor can his extraordinary life be whittled into a few paragraphs so we will end with we love you big guy, and we will see you soon.