Wendell "Wendy" B. Holt's Obituary
HOLT, Wendell “Wendy” B., age 79, of Waynesville, passed away Monday, March 24, 2025, at Kettering Hospital.
Wendy honorably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. For his selfless sacrifice while serving our country, he was awarded a cluster (three) of the distinguished Purple Heart awards.
Wendy was a friendly, loving, caring, and giving person who was extremely family-oriented. He generously gave his time to help others and never hesitated to assist family, friends or neighbors with a project.
His favorite hobby was fishing, which he loved to do whenever possible. Whether fishing from his boat, bank fishing in the Maumee River in his waders, deep sea fishing, taking trips out on Lake Erie or just the local waters of Caesar Creek State Park, Wendy found joy in every fishing adventure. He especially cherished the times when his son, Shawn, joined him. As a child, Shawn disliked waking up early on weekends to hit the lake before dawn, but over time, he cherished those memories and their lasting influence on him.
Wendy was always a helper. He supported his wife with her hobby of making wreaths and other floral goods, which they sold at various area shows and festivals each year. The Ohio Sauerkraut Festival in Waynesville and the Preble County Pork Festival were among their favorites, becoming a cherished tradition of working side by side.
In his younger days, he coached his son’s youth sports teams and loved to ride his motorcycle. Wendy and his family rented a houseboat on Lake Cumberland each summer, which became a favorite tradition. In retirement, Wendy was known for his love of spending time in his barn, "tinkering," as he would say. He could spend hours fixing or building things, always preferring to do it himself. He and Maxine hosted a 4th of July party with family at their home, which he looked forward to each year.
Wendy will be remembered for his ingenuity and problem-solving skills, his love for John Deere tractors—both full-size and model versions—and the joy he found in waking up each day to tackle new challenges. He had a passion for collecting fishing gear, hats of all kinds, and M&M candy memorabilia, a habit passed down from his father. Above all, Wendy will be remembered for his deep care for his family and friends and his dedication to our country through his honorable military service.
Wendy was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Beulah Holt, and his sister, Jennifer Avery. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 60 years, Maxine; his son, Shawn (DeeDee) Holt; two beloved granddaughters, Keili and Shea; as well as his cousins, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. Wendy cherished each of them and built a lifetime of special memories together. Wendy also grew very close to his neighbors, Kris and Nikki McKinney, and their daughter, Addy, who became like a granddaughter to him.
The family will receive friends from 11 AM to 1 PM on Tuesday, April 1, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at 1 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home, with Celebrant Brian Bennett officiating. Burial will follow in Miami Cemetery, Corwin. If desired, contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org. Condolences may be made at www.stubbsconner.com.
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