Melvin Holt

Melvin Holt

October 19, 1931 - January 29, 2023

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Obituary

On Sunday, January 29, 2023, in Billings, Montana, Melvin Odess Holt passed away at 91. In his last hours, Melvin was surrounded by family in his home.


Melvin was born to Thelma (Minnick) and Odess Holt on October 19, 1931, in Corning, Iowa. He was the oldest of three children and was raised on a farm southeast of Millerton, Iowa. In 1950 he graduated from Millerton High School.

He served in the Air Force and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, and Great Falls, Montana, among others. He later served in the Army National Guard retiring after 29 years of service. Melvin graduated from Montana State University with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Arts. Melvin taught high school in Livingston, Montana before moving to Billings, Montana where he served as the Operations Supervisor for School District 2. After early retirement from School District 2 he started his own handyman business. There was nothing Melvin couldn't fix!


He met the love of his life in Great Falls and was married to Donna (Egan) Holt on March 2, 1957. Donna and Melvin were blessed with three children. Melvin enjoyed fishing, camping, and going on road trips across the United States with his family. Melvin took pride in being actively involved in the lives of his children and enjoyed nurturing their interest in academics, sports, scouts, and 4-H. In later years, Melvin helped shape the lives of his grandchildren in the same way he did his children.


In addition, Melvin loved gardening in his backyard; always having plenty of his veggies to share with everyone, working on classic automobiles, drawing, woodworking, and following politics. He taught adult education classes in home and auto repair. Melvin enjoyed serving as a 4-H Judge at the Yellowstone County Fair and could never pass up a bag of popcorn as he enjoyed watching local high school basketball matchups around town.


Melvin was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was selfless, generous, earnest, devoted, and diligent. Melvin was always more concerned with the needs and wishes of others than his own. We all love and cherish the many memories of Melvin. Let us be inspired by his love, strength, work ethic, witty humor, creativity, intelligence, determination, and integrity.


Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and Donna, his wife of 65 years. He is survived by his immediate family: son Randolph “Odess” Holt; daughters Jeanine Holt-Seavy (Lyle) Seavy, and Denice Holt; grandchildren Lyle, Grady, Egan, Micah, Shaun (Christina), Kristine (Alex), and Rachael; five great-grandchildren; sister Irma Jean Moore; and beloved pets Peppy and Ollie.


A celebration of Melvin's life will be held this summer.

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Sally Huffard
Other •
I lived down the street from Mel for over 20 years. He was always able to stop doing whatever he was doing and chat. I felt like he was genuinely interested in talking with me. I will miss our little chats. Sally Huffard
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Bridget Barker
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It’s so hard to write this! I so fondly remember growing up in our little neighborhood in Billings, across the street from the Holts. Mel and Donna were like parents to me. Jeanine and Denice were sisters! Randy was my scary but cool older brother, LOL! I’ve kept in touch and stopped by when we visited home (Mom still lives across the street!) and I loved my conversations over the years. Mel inspired my love of science, and I remember him helping me with a project to build a strong bridge, just from paper! That bridge held 5lbs of weight, and slightly confused my 5th grade teacher hahaha. He always looked out for the neighborhood kids and loved sharing words of wisdom. It’s bitter sweet but also appropriate he left this earth on my birthday. I know he’ll always be my guardian angel - love you family!! Big hugs across the miles.
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Jessica Nedens
Other •
Last summer I had the privilege of become Melvin Holt’s neighbor. When we met he was high above his home cutting down his trees. Which you could imagine scared the heck out of me but made a great conversation starter ;) we immediately became friends and spent many of hours laughing about the ridiculous fence that sadly was erected in my backyard. Melvin shared funny stories of his past jobs, his beautiful family, and his years of handyman work! I would come home from work to find Melvin and Peppy in my backyard fixing that fence. My daughters quickly made Melvin their cookie tester which he happily accepted. He was selfless, smart, caring, generous and always up for a good chat about how to fix something! Being a single mother and a first time home owner, I believe God brought Melvin to my kids and I for many reasons that I am forever grateful for. Thank you to the Holt Family for allowing us to be a part of this time. Melvin will always be in this neighborhood, watching over us and criticizing the handyman who are soon to come in his absence. Rest well my friend. I know you are happy to be with your beautiful wife again.
LJ
Linda James
Other •
🙏 RIP
MB
Maja Ballew
Other •
Dearest Holt family (sigh), I didn't get it then, but growing up across the street from "The Holts" was such a unique way to grow up! We had a built in extended family, Sisters Jeanine&Denise and older bro, Randy and bonus parents, Mel&Donna. Anytime I came over for a visit, Mel always took the time to talk with me. He was never too busy to talk about whatever I was into at the time, and would ask me questions & talk to me like I was an equal. He was one of the first adults outside of my immediate family that helped me find my voice and pay attention to what was really important to me. We're also so grateful to all of the Holt family for their deep love and support to our Mom, who still lives across the street! Mel will be sorely missed and thought of often with a grateful smile...Big love to you all <3
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Bonnie Egan
Other •
We must not forget Mel loved to dance!! We had a wonderful 4 hour chat before Christmas! Loved our Brother-in-Law and now he’s dancing with Donna. God has blessed us with having Mel in our lives. Love, Auntie Bonnie

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