John Robert Holton

John Robert "Bob"Holton

born June 2, 1925 died January 29, 2018

John Robert "Bob" Holton was born June 2, 1925. He was the 8th of 9 children born to Lela and Tom Holton. Bob grew up in Childress, Texas and helped his father and brothers at Holton's Grocery on Hwy 287. He married Aloyce Hicks in June 1943 and 7 months later - at age 18 - shipped out for Europe in preparaton for the Battle of the Bulge. PFC Holton was attached to the 254th Field Artillery Battalion. He recalled sleeping in the snow in the Ardennes Forest and scavenging fields for frozen Brussels sprouts - a vegetable he never ate again!

After the war, Bob and Aloyce had two children and moved to Irving, Texas where he continued in the grocery business. He retired with Whitson-King Food Brokerage. He and Aloyce moved from Farmers Branch to rural McKinney and enjoyed country living. Serving others was a life time ministry for them - whether with the Salvation Army, nursing home visitations or simply caring for neighbors. Bob's first love passed away in 2004 after 61 years of marriage. He wrote in his journal, "I know in heaven a dark eyed angel waits for me."

In 2014 Bob traveled back to Belgium with The Greatest Generation Foundation in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. He participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2016. When asked how he survived the hardships of war he said, "I was too young and dumb to know any better." He was a proud veteran who enjoyed sharing his stories with school children and participating in veteran activities until his health began to decline in December. An avid reader, he especially enjoyed history - WWII history in particular.

"Mr. Bob" was well loved by students at Earl Slaughter Elementary School in McKinney. Students of Mrs. Harvey's kindergarten class sent crayon best wishes when he announced his marriage to Cleta Bryant in 2005. The Holtons moved to the Grand Texan Senior Community in McKinney where they met many wonderful, supportive friends.

A long-time believer in Jesus Christ and student of the Bible, Bob left many expressions of his faith for his family to reflect upon. Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through him who strengthens me - was a life verse. Papa and Mimi left a legacy of faith to their children and grandchildren, expecting God to carry it on to the "greats" and future generations. One quote from Gary Thomas sums up Bob's belief and life: "One of the chief aims of Christian spirituality - second only to being God centered - is the call to be others centered."

Bob is survived by wife, Cleta; daughter, Teresa Bullock and husband, Mike from San Diego; son, John Holton and wife, Gwen from Mt. Pleasant; four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren were the joy of his life. Also surviving are Glenn Bryant and wife, Sharon of McKinney, Randy Bryant and wife, Terisa of Princeton. Cleta has four grandchildren and their twelve children added a lot of excitement to family gatherings, according to Bob.

Donations in Bob's memory may be made to: Alzheimer's Assoc., San Diego Lost Boys of Sudan or the Salvation Army. Please go to https://www.facebook.com/rememberthosewhoserved/posts/1547043392011576 to see the article written by The Greatest Generations Foundation in honor of Bob.