Don Ray Holder

Don Ray Holder, born December 25. 1929, in Wirt, Oklahoma, went to be with the Lord on October 6, 2026, in Prescott, Arizona.

Don was an Air Force Veteran who served during the Korean War. He prioritized his devotion to God, followed by his commitment to his late wife, Patsy "Pat" V. Holder, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage, and his subsequent marriage to Dorothy Lee Holder for 12 years. Don, also known as "Mr. Holder or Mr. Dad", had a profound love for his over five thousand students who he maintained contact with many of them throughout his life.

His passions included his quiet daily time with his Lord and Savior, interacting with his students, his horses, gold panning, and participating in multiple ministry service projects, which afforded him and Pat the opportunity to travel across the country.

Don dedicated his life to service. His journey commenced with his enlistment in the Air Force at the age of 18, followed by a lifelong career in teaching, and extending his reach as an active participant in his community. Few are aware that Don initially enrolled at Southwest Bible College with aspirations of entering the ministry; however, he was guided towards a teaching vocation. He earned three Master's degrees from East Texas State Teacher's College in Business Administration, English, and Geography, in addition to a degree in Physical Education. Don was volunteered as an EMT with the Lake Tamarisk Fire Department, joined mission projects in building churches and providing water wells in rural areas, along with packing thousands of boxes for Feeding the Children, and taught Sunday school until 2016.

Don was preceded in death by his wives, Patsy V. Holder, and Dorothy Lee Parks Holder; his mother, Ola Crabb; his father, Ray Holder; sister, Anita Neal; and grandson, Jeremy Jenkins.

His survivors include his sister, Connie Key (Phil); sister-in-law, Judy Woods; his daughter, Larri Lyn Stell (Rick); stepson, Clarence Parks (Rhonda); stepdaughter, Patsy Parks; grandson, Sean Stell (Jeniffer); granddaughter, Shannon Stell (Darius); and five great-grandchildren: Jamal Stell, Jerimiah Thomas, Olivia Stell, Jasper Thomas, and Mia Stell. Don is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as his "heart-adopted" family members who affectionately refer to him as "Papa Don".

Funeral services will be held at 1:00PM, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Chapel of Crossway First Baptist Church in Sulphur, Oklahoma. Pastor Bill Leveridge will officiate the service. Interment, with military honors, will follow at the Oaklawn Cemetery, in Sulphur. Viewing and visitation for family and friends will be from 10:00-11:00AM, Thursday, morning at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, Don requested donations be made to any of the following: Ethos360 Ministries, 312 W. First Street, Sanford, Florida 32771; Liberty University- Heroes Fund Scholarship, 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virgina 24515; Maggie's Place (Hospice), 801 Miller Valley Road, Prescott, Arizona 86301; or a youth group at your local church.

Services have been "Entrusted to" Hale's Funeral Home, of Sulphur.

Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.