Donald Eugene Holycross, Sr., 95, of Bellefontaine, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. Don was born on November 28, 1928, in North Lewisburg, Ohio, to the late Isaac and Jennie (Reams) Holycross. He was the sixth of thirteen children. Preceding him in death were sisters: Agnes Murray, Alice Davis, Betty Black, Shirley Johnson, and Mary Lou McCoy; and brothers: Charles, Aaron, Raymond, and Carroll. Survivors include: Tempa Cox, Darrell Holycross, and Ruth Ann Wooddell. He was also preceded in death by his great-grandson, Kyle Roby.
He graduated in a class of nine from Middleburg High School in 1946; and he always joked that he “finished in the top ten of his class”. Shortly thereafter, he was playing in a fast-pitch softball game when he looked up into the stands and saw “the most beautiful girl” that he had ever seen. He was introduced to that girl, Barbara Joan Curl, and she became the love of his life. They were married on his birthday in 1947 and celebrated 73 years of marriage before her death in December 2020. They were the parents of Sharon Kaye Holycross, who died in infancy; Don (Lori) Holycross, Jr. of Logan; and Karen (Tim) Fogt of Sidney.
He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Traci (Jon) Jones of Belle Center; Tonya (Clayton) Kindle and Terri (Shawn) Long both of Quincy, and Jeff (Allie) Holycross of London, England; great grandchildren: Maci (Jordan) Johnson, Kinzie Jones, Cole Jones, Luke Roby, Eli Kindle, Trey Long, Kale Long; four great-great grandchildren; and extended family: Kelli (Rylan) Murphy, Julie (Justin) Henderson, Ashton (Anthony) Fullenkamp, Justin Kindle and families.
Don’s professional life was in the grocery business. He started by unloading box cars for the F.N. Johnson Company in Bellefontaine, which later became Super Food Services. He advanced to driving truck and then was promoted to a store supervisor. (He was very proud that “he was the first person to move from the back of the warehouse into a sales position.”) Don and Joan owned and operated an IGA store in Spencerville for over 17 years before retiring. They then moved back to their beloved Logan County.
Don was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed watching all the Ohio sports teams on television and he coached summer baseball for several years. He was president of different golf leagues throughout the years and was most proud of his hole-in-one. He and Joan enjoyed traveling together and attending the grandchildren’s sporting and school activities.
He was a “people” person and always positive. He was very grateful for his wonderful life and all of the blessings that he had received. But most of all, he was grateful for his family and all of the joy that he shared with them.
There will be a visitation for Don on Friday, October 11, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 321 N. Main Street, Bellefontaine. Following visitation there will be a procession to Zanesfield Cemetery where Pastor Jeff Willetts will officiate a graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Campbell Place, 356 Kent Drive, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311. The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the staff of Campbell Place for the care they gave over the last four years.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Holycross family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.
