Jack R. Holliday

Jack R. Holliday, loved by many, died peacefully at home on May 6, 2010 at the age of 91. He passed away with his family by his side after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease, arthritis, and macular degeneration. He was born on June 11, 1918 in Meade, Kansas to Ella Maphet and Lymon Pearl LP Holliday because there was no hospital in Gate, Oklahoma where Jack's parents resided. He lived in Gate until 1923 and then moved to Cherokee, Oklahoma where he attended school from kindergarten through grade twelve. He was proud to be a "newsie" as a young boy, always having a nickel in his pocket to buy a Nehi pop. He loved playing football in high school. His best story was that during a very competitive game his habit of sticking his tongue out while he ran caught up with him. He was tackled very hard and bit a hole clear through! After high school he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps to help conserve land and energy. In 1938 Jack moved to Wichita, Kansas and attended Friends University. On February 15, 1939 he married Virginia Pauline Thomas. They had three children Paula Jean, John Edward, and Thomas Richard. On August 11, 1942, Jack began working for the Wichita Fire Department as a fire fighter. He was drafted in January 1945 and honorably served in the United States Army as a firefighter stationed in Hawaii from 1945-1946. He returned to Wichita, Kansas where he continued to work as a fire fighter until he retired as a lieutenant in 1969. After his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his son, John and family in Wichita. He also loved to travel with his wife in their Silver Stream to visit Paula and family in Wilson Creek, Washington; Tom and family in Fort Collins, Colorado. Keeping up with current events was one of his passions. He also enjoyed reading, watching sports on television, and living a healthy lifestyle. He moved to Colorado in December, 2007 to be closer to his son, Tom and family. Jack will be remembered as a dedicated husband and father, a cherished grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather. He was a kind and gentle soul. He leaves a legacy of wisdom with his "life stories" living fondly in the hearts of his family and friends. He is survived by his son, Thomas Colleen;daughter-in-law, Cecily; eight grandchildren, Selena, Angie Scott, Jenni Chris, Lindsay Tom, Tim, Chrisa, Brian, and Danny; twelve great-grandchildren, Mallory James, A.J, Nick, Lauren, Mcallaster, Aubreigh, Keighan, Trevor, Macy, Finley Jack, Everett Thomas, Connor; and one great-great grandchild , Claire; special friends , Thelma and Dave Grimm and his Burger King buddies in Wichita. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lymon and Ella, wife Pauline, son John, daughter Paula, two brothers, William and James, and one sister, Betty. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held Monday, May 10, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Wichita, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pathways Hospice Association in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.