Bill Holt (May 22, 1938-July 15, 2019) - Glenwood Springs Post Independent
Jul 27, 2019William Cecil Holt Jr. “Bill”, was born May 22, 1938, in Pueblo, Co. He was the first-born son of William Cecil and Grace Elizabeth Holt. His childhood was spent in Cañon City and Florence, Co. where he took pleasure in being with his grandparents, Cecil and Evelyn Holt, who lived above the Florence Funeral Home. He graduated from Cañon City High School in 1956. After high school, he attended and graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, with a Bachelors Degree in Business.While still undertaking his studies, Bill was united in marriage to Bonnie Dee Lester, daughter of Golden and Violet Lester, on October 12, 1958, in Cañon City Co.— a marriage that lasted 61 years.Bill and Bonnie moved to Dallas, Texas, where Bill attended the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science. After his graduation Bill and Bonnie returned to Cañon City where Bill joined his father William at Holt Funeral Home, becoming the third generation to enter the business. At age 28, Bill adopted the whole of the family business after the retirement of his father. Together, Bill and Bonnie served diligently the families and the community that they loved.His legacy continues to grow through fourth and fifth generation children and grandchildren. His children, grandchildren, and multiple gracious employees continue to care for families at: Florence Mortuary in Florence, Farnum-Holt Funeral Home in Glenwood Springs, Rifle Funeral Home in Rifle, Evergreen and Blunt Funeral Homes in Colorado Springs, Boies-Ortega Funeral Home in Walsenburg, and Funeral and Cremation Care in Pueblo West.Bill and Bonnie enjoyed many things in life together: golf, skiing, travelling, dancing, dinner clubs, and stays at the Gunnison campground with friends and family. They were active members at the First Baptist Church and Cañon Community Baptist Church. Bill was also an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed golf tournaments and hunting trips with his son Trey and many friends.Bill was deputy coroner for Fremont County for forty years, serving under Dr. Henry Grabow and Dr.