In Memory of Lt. Col Richard Whelan Holder

Passed away on May 2, 2020 in Murray, Utah. Born Nov. 17, 1938 to A C Holder and Ruby Madora Farrow Holder in Washington D.C. Married to Shirley May Clegg Holder on July 28, 1979 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They were later sealed in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Salt lake Temple on August 13th 2014. Richard learned to fly when he was young and it was one of his most beloved hobbies, He had a great passion for old cars and car shows and he helped organize the first British Motor Car Club in Salt Lake City, Utah. Rich loved to read and had an extensive collection of books from fantasy to technical. Richard and his wife loved travel. One of Richard's greatest passions was music, expressed through his love of playing the piano. Richard was an Eagle Scout, active in many school, church and civic activities as well as a high school football player. He then enrolled in Texas Tech University where he earned several degrees. Soon after he joined the United States Air force and was stationed in Okinawa where he served as postmaster for Vietnam. He was a Minute Man Missile Launch officer, and also served in Iran from 1978 to 1979 during the hostage crisis. Rich was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal among many others from the Air Force. He retired as a LT Col after twenty two years of service. Richard was a member of Mensa and Toast Masters.

Richard is survived by his wife Shirley May Clegg Holder, sister Betty Schoeneman (Tim) and children Patricia Berube (Troy) Mark Malmin, Matthew Malmin, Richard P Holder (Vickie) Cynthia McKinney (Matt) as well as 15 Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents A C and Ruby Holder, his sister Joyce Holder Small, his daughter Alishia Christine Verhage, and a grand daughter Nikki Holder.

Please be mindful of current guidelines and respectful of others in their social distance practices. Graveside services will be held May 8th 2020 at 11:00 am at Mountain View Mortuary; 3115 E. 7800 S. Cottonwood Heights, Utah, 84121. Services will be Live-steamed as well, directions as follows;