Harold Lee Holt

Harold Lee Holt, age 87, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, at his home in Claremore, Oklahoma.

Harold was born on February 21, 1938, in Waulkena, California, to Everett and Margret Holt. He was the sixth of nine children and grew up surrounded by family, a value he carried throughout his life. He graduated from Mount Whitney High School in 1956 and proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1959 to 1963, including time at White Sands Missile Base in California.

On October 21, 1961, Harold married the love of his life, Barbara Ellen Holt, in Oak View, California. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work, devotion, and family, adding three children to their family: Keith, Brian, and Tammy. In 1971, they moved their family to Oklahoma, where Harold would spend the rest of his life providing for and supporting those he loved.

After his military service, Harold went to work as a roofer in California, a trade he continued even after relocating his family to Oklahoma. He later became a drill rig operator for McNabb Coal Company in Catoosa, Oklahoma, before returning to roofing in the late 1980s. While working on an American Airlines roofing project in Tulsa, he was offered a position with Conley Design Group, where he completed his career. This position allowed him and Barbara to travel across the United States, and even internationally to Niger, in West Africa. Harold retired completely in 2017, with his final project being at American Airlines.

Though he loved traveling, Harold’s greatest joy was found closer to home, often in the bleachers. A lifelong sports enthusiast, basketball was his favorite, and he took immense pride in watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren compete. He was affectionately known as the “unofficial line judge” at family volleyball games that often included three generations. He was also famous for his homemade ice cream, especially when made with fresh fruit, and for his playful teasing and generous hugs—particularly for the grandbabies.

Harold was a kind, honest, and hardworking man. His family meant everything to him, including his many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. He was loved deeply and will be missed tremendously by all who knew him.

He is survived by his children, Keith Holt, Brian Holt and wife Sharrie, Tammy Dunlap and husband Trey; seven grandchildren, Amber Webster and husband Johnathon, Tiffani Hair and husband James, Timber Buckner and husband Heath, Tandi Dunlap, Trey Dunlap and wife Chandler, Konner Holt, and Christeney Holt, along with 12 great-grandchildren who brought him so much joy; beloved sister and brother Louise Kirksey and Richard Holt.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Barbara Ellen Holt, and his siblings Everett Holt Jr., Mildred Phillips, Wilma Nunes, Lawrence Holt, Samuel Holt, and Louis Holt.

Harold Lee Holt’s legacy of love, laughter, and dedication to family will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.