Vernon Holder, Sr.

Vernon Holder Sr., age 83, of West, passed away Thursday afternoon, June 12, 2014 at his residence. Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday at Bold Springs Cemetery near West, with Rev. Terry McElrath officiating. the family will receive visitors from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel. Vernon was born May 22, 1931 in West, the son of Robert C. and Martha Ollie (Franklin) Holder. He attended schools in West. He served his country with the United States Army on the front lines during the Korean War. On May 23, 1959 he was united in marriage to Ruby Green in Waco. Vernon was a long haul truck driver and worked for J.T. Heigh Gravel Company in Waco for many years before retiring in 1988. He helped build the Heart of Texas Speedway in Elm Mott where he was a driver, flagman and maintained the grounds. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, racing cars and riding his 4-wheeler picking up cans. Vernon is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, J.W. Holder and Bobby Holder; a sister, Helen Haigood; 4 great-grandchildren, Heather Rose Holder, Austyn and Kinzee Fontenot, and Kaysiee Lucko; a daughter-in-law, Sandy Holder; and granddaughter-in-law, Brandee Fontenot. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Ruby Holder of West; eight sons, Vernon "Butch" Holder, Jr. of West, James Holder of China Spring, Seth Manson, David Chadwick and wife Darlene and Allen Chadwick, all of Waco, Clay Chadwick and wife Jenna of New York, Robert Chadwick and wife Debbie of Dallas and Jerry Holder of Mart; three daughters, Dena Holder of Elm Mott, Vickie George and husband Kenny of Hillsboro and Charly Holder of Victoria; two sisters, Louise Buchanan and husband Doyle and Shirley Dulock; 30 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses.