Thomas Martin Holt

Thomas Martin Holt, 72, of Pocatello, died at his home Feb. 21.

A memorial Service will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor John Schraan officiating.

Mr. Holt was born Sept. 2, 1934, to John Charles Lucas and Eunice Louise (Johnson) Holt in Marquette, Kan., where he was raised and educated. He graduated from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan., with a bachelor of art's degree in business administration.

He married Judith Corinne Miller in 1956. The two then spent a few years teaching and coaching in the Midwest. They moved to Colorado, where he attended Denver University, graduating with an MBA in 1963. He then accepted a job with Boise Cascade as an accountant, and the family moved to Boise.

Mr. Holt moved up the ranks within the company and was asked to take on a controller position in a regional office in La Grande. The Holts settled on a small ranch in Summerville where they spent 32 years raising kids and becoming a part of the community and church.

While in Eastern Oregon, Mr. Holt participated with his children in all their endeavors, including sports and academia. He was elected and served on both local and state school boards and served as president of the congregation at Zion Lutheran Church in La Grande.

After retiring from Boise Cascade in 1993, he became active in the Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative and served on the Board of Directors for several years.

While living in Oregon, he pursued his true interest of raising and trading horses and mules. His hobby expanded into raising draft horses, mules and race horses. His role expanded to creating a favorite gathering place for his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; children and their spouses, Kari and Randall Fowler of Pocatello, Kris and Vicki Holt of Murphy, Texas and Kurtis and Lisa Holt, also of Pocatello; and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Dennis Holt.

Condolences may be sent to the family on-line at www.colonial-funeralhome.com. Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 902 Fourth Street, La Grande.