Howard W. Holland, Sr.

Howard Wesley Holland, Sr., 78, of Springfield passed away June 16, 2017 in his home. He was a very special and unforgettable man, whose loss will leave a huge hole in our hearts, but he gave us many wonderful memories. Howard was born June 6, 1939 to George and Ruth (Lookabaugh) Holland. He did masonry work and carpentry his whole life, loved his work, and was the best. As a young boy, Howard worked with his granddad, from whom he learned so much, and told so many stories about. He cherished him dearly, as he did his entire family that he felt so blessed to have. A very special and unique man, there’ll never be another like him. Howard was the eldest of ten kids; he will be greatly missed by four brothers including Joseph (Sylvia) to whom he was especially close, Steve, Jim (Sue) and Tim (Joyce); four sisters Diane, Georgia, Hope (Bob), and Julie (Roger); three sons from his first wife Wayne (Sherry), Todd (Ann) and Eric; his present wife of fifteen years, Kimberly (Evans) Holland, and their three kids Ashley (Henry), Kasey and Matthew; ten grandchildren Justin, Joshua, Jerod, Jacob, Erika, Nicholas, Andy, KaseyJo, JohnnyLee, and baby Andrew; nine great grandkids. He dearly missed his son-in-law Henry Tessier of Alabama that he couldn’t see much in recent years. Howard was also close to some special friends who were more like family, Jeff McKenney, Dick Meeks, Cory Buntin(like a son) and Tammy Peck(like a daughter); brother-in-law Mike Evans, and many more family, friends and co-workers, especially Jason Crause. He is preceded in death by his parents; a sister Kathleen; son Howard Wesley Holland, Jr., and his first wife Patricia. Howard had the opportunity to help write this obituary, and select the music and pictures he cherished. At his request, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to his family or to the charity of your choice. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00PM until time of services in the RICHARDS, RAFF & DUNBAR MEMORIAL HOME. The service to honor Howard’s life will be at Tuesday at 7:00PM in the Memorial Home. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.richardsraffanddunbar.com.