Arnold Holdren

C. Arnold Holdren

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear uncle, Arnold Holdren, on Monday, September 12.  Arnold was born the tenth of ten children to the late Walter Dexter Holdren and Ethel Blanche (Lilly) Holdren on April 22, 1930.

Arnold is a Veteran having served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict.  Upon discharge from the Navy, he returned to Beckley and began a long career with the Veterans Administration as Assistant to the Chief Medical Officer in Beckley, Ashville NC, New Hampshire and finally in Tuscaloosa Alabama where he lived for many years and became an avid BAMA fan.

When he returned to Beckley and began his career with the VA, Arnold met the love of his life, Mary Fleming.  Arnold and Mary enjoyed a long and happy marriage until her death in 2014.

Arnold was a devout Christian.  He was a member of the Carriage Drive Church of Christ.  He was so engrained in the Word of God.  He never missed a service until the end of his life, and he regretted not having the physical ability to attend.

In addition to his parents and wife, Arnold was predeceased by his siblings, Walter Dexter, Jr. (Dean), Arthur, Ruth Scott, Ted, Pauline Harrell, Geneva Summerville, Ruby Adkins, Charlotte Meador and Evelyn Treadway Pettry.

Arnold is survived by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great grand nieces and nephews, one very special great grandnephew who provided much assistance during his final months.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 17, beginning at 1:00 at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel.  Visitation will be one hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers, Arnold would very much appreciate donations be made to his ‘Sis Polly’s’ endowed scholarship at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, the E. Pauline Harrell Memorial Scholarship. For more information regarding this scholarship, please visit Marshall.edu.

Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home.