Roll Call Tribute

Published in The Wichita Eagle from Dec. 16 to Dec. 17, 2017

Jay Francis Holt
Holt, Jay Francis 94, passed away at 8 p.m. Monday, December 11, 2017, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born in Pittsburg, KS on October 23, 1923, to J.N. and Vera (Francis) Holt. He married Nelda Beatrice Walker on January 25, 1946, in Refugio, TX. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Kansas State Teacher's College in Pittsburg, KS, and his Master's and Doctorate degrees from Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. He served in the United States Navy as a flight instructor, taught drafting for 14 years in the Industrial Arts department at Pittsburg State University and spent 12 years as a designer for Boeing Aircraft Company. He is survived by Nelda, his wife of nearly 72 years; children, David Holt (Brigit), Rebecca Holt (Paul Phariss), Nell Ellsaesser (Larry), Lou Nelson (Linn), and Ruth Johnson; 19 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren. A "Celebration of Life" service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 14, 2018, at Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church, 5701 E. Mt. Vernon, Wichita, KS 67216, with Victor Calcote officiating. Jay was a faithful, devoted husband and father who loved his family and country. He was a dedicated, lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, and had a deep appreciation of education, travel, and music. He was a profound presence in so many of our lives over these many years, and will be sorely missed.