Jerome Holt

Holt, Jerome “Jerry,” 83, of Wichita passed away peacefully Monday, May 11, 2015 following a prolonged illness. He was born in Caney, KS on Nov. 4, 1931 to John T. and Ruth M. (Croff) Holt. Jerry graduated from Caney High school in 1950 and attended Coffeyville Jr. College and Wichita State University where he obtained a degree in business. Jerry enlisted in the Navy and served from 1950 to 1955. His basic training was in San Diego, California and he was stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Hancock CVA-19 in the pacific islands during the Korean Conflict. In the late 1950s he became a buyer at Boeing. In 1960 he started his own aircraft manufacturing company formerly known as Aero-Line, changing the name to Fastenair in the mid 1960s. He remained president until his death. Jerry was an avid golfer, playing in many tournaments as a semi-pro. He was a past member of Crestview and Tallgrass Country Clubs. He will be remembered as a generous, loving, and fun loving husband, father, grandfather, employer, neighbor and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents; six sisters; three brothers; first wife, Yvonne I. (Darst) Holt; son, Darren D. Holt; step-son, David G. Ballew; and step-grandson Keith M. Ballew. He is survived by his wife, Glenda (Perdue) Holt; son, John T. Holt; daughters, Tracy R. Mahoney, and Andrea D. Jorgensen, all of Wichita; step-daughter, Penny (Roy) McNett of Andover, KS; brother, Dr. Paul Holt of Kingsville, Texas; six grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren. Visitation is Thursday, May 14, 2015, 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. Memorial Service is Friday, May 15, 2015 at 10:00 A.M.; both at Downing Lahey East Mortuary. Graveside Service will follow at Havana Cemetery, Havana, KS at 2:00 P.M. A memorial has been established with Harry Hynes Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202.