Ira Joe Holder

Ira Joe Holder departed this earthly home on October 30, 2006, to receive his reward in heaven and to live with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, thus ending a long struggle with Parkinson's disease. Joe remained active for many years after his initial diagnosis. Joe was born on August 21, 1923, in Longbranch, Texas to Claud Lecon Holder and Bonnie Worley Holder. He was the eldest of three children and was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Claud L. Holder and his sister, Betty Jean Stewart. Joe's schooling began in Longbranch and Kilgore, Texas and he later graduated from high school in Buras, Louisiana. His father worked for Gulf Oil and the family lived in many different cities in Joe's young life. This resulted in Joe being able to make new friends easily and his family is fond of saying, "He's never met a stranger." Despite a childhood injury that left his feet and legs scarred, Joe was active in numerous sports including football, basketball, baseball and track. In 1941, Joe led the Buras High School six-man football team to a State Championship as the quarterback and kicker. His interest in sports continued his whole life. On February 11, 1943, Joe joined the US Army Air Corps and became a nose gunner in the 400th Bomb Squadron, whose missions were in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Following his active military duty, Joe returned to the states where he met his true love, Jill Parrott, and they were wed on June 4, 1949, in Odessa, Texas. They were happily married for 57 years and Jill was his loving caretaker during Joe's later years. They had two daughters, Bonnie Miller of Midland and Lee Ann Holland of Oak Park, California. Joe is also survived by two grandchildren, Amanda Miller of Houston, Texas, and Josh Miller of Denton, Texas. As an avid sports enthusiast, he closely followed his grandchildren's activities as they participated in sports. He is also survived by one aunt, Mary Kate Sledge of Henderson, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be truly missed by his entire family. Joe's chosen vocation was working for the US Postal Service as a letter carrier, and he upheld the creed, "Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor dread of night shall stay this courier from his appointed rounds." He retired in 1985 after a twenty-six-year career. He was also active in the National Association of Letter Carriers. Joe was a dedicated member of the North A Church of Christ and served as a deacon during his lifetime. He was an integral part of the church's bus ministry which ran in the seventies and eighties. He loved children and he loved sharing his Lord with them. He was also a staunch supporter of Christian education and followed closely the activities of Midland Christian School, Lubbock Christian University and Abilene Christian University. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the caring and compassionate staff at Select Specialty Hospital and the In-Patient of Hospice of Midland at Midland Memorial Hospital. May God continue to bless your efforts. A service to celebrate the life of Joe Holder and to praise his God will be held on November 2, 2006, at the North A Church of Christ under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Greg Fleming and Amos Palma will officiate with interment at Resthaven Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Frank Bartlett, Scott Harris, Greg Moore, Rudy Munoz, Jim Oden and Lynn Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Briley, Jack Holder, Tanner Moore, Glenn Parrott, Bill Stewart, Billy Stewart, Trent Stewart and Eddie Stinson. The family requests that memorials be made to North A Church of Christ, 505 San Angelo Street, Midland, TX 79701 or Midland Christian School, 2001 Culver Drive, Midland, TX 79705.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,