Donald Stephen Holman, of Lebanon, passed peacefully from this life, on Jan. 7, 2024, in the embrace of his loving wife, Tu, and a circle of close family. He was a born leader, a gifted storyteller, and an unflinching champion of conservative politics.
Born on May 10, 1959, in Highland Park Michigan, to James Thomas and Floria Berea Judd Holman, he was the youngest child in a preacher’s household of eight. He grew up traveling between the churches his parents would build, in Michigan, and the cherished pastures of the family farm along the banks of Taylor’s Creek, in Sparta. He graduated from White County High School, in 1976. His charismatic personality, graceful diplomacy, and dogged work ethic brought him success as a store manager and corporate trainer for Walmart. Tiring of the corporate world, he joined his brother, Paul Holman, to launch a series of successful businesses, including the photography franchise, Visual Image. The two would remain partners in business and leading characters in their own daily sitcom until his death.
In 2003, he married the love of his life Tu Nguyen Holman, making regular trips to Vietnam part of their lives. They first lived between the historic photo studio on Bockman Way and helping to care for his beloved mother. Later, they purchased a house and a piece of land, in Lebanon. They made home there with his brother, Paul, raised chickens and miniature cattle. He assisted Tu in creating a successful and thriving alteration business.
Donald took his role as a citizen and neighbor seriously. He showed up. He carried his end of the load and sometime yours. He believed in solving problems. He loved the land, carrying on his father’s pride in a well-groomed pasture of fat cattle and living out his mother’s passion for garden-fresh, homecooked food served on a table crowded with friends and family. He never shied away from a good argument. His word mattered to him.
He served as chairman of the White County Republican Party and served on the White County Election Commission. His practical, plain-spoken way of framing issues made him a favorite contributor to the Sparta Expositor and other publications and a trusted advisor to numerous political and public figures.
He had a storyteller’s smile, the eyes of a friend, and a perfectly husky voice that seemed always able to hit the tenor notes if he stretched his neck and leaned just right.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Tu Holman, with whom he shared the 20 best years of his life. He leaves behind his brothers, Dan and Paul Holman, and his sisters, Kay Walker, Brenda Reed, and Rebecca Smith, along with a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He joins his parents and his brothers, Kenneth and Phillip Holman, in a circle that will be reunited “some day after ‘while.”
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Donald’s nephews, Jesse and Bennett Holman, his brother, Paul Holman, and his sisters, Becky Smith and Kay Walker, who were endlessly helpful and unselfishly caring in his final days.
We grieve, but not as “those who have no hope.” Donald leaves behind a testimony that he has made everything right between he and the Lord. He can no longer come to us, but we can go to him.
Amongst Donald’s best and rarest qualities was his capacity for forgiveness. If you knew Donald and want to honor his memory, think of someone who used to be close and find it in your heart to forgive and love them again.
We’ll all see you at the “Big House,” Donald. Rest well sweet brother.
Funeral service was 2 p.m., Jan. 14, 2024, at Plainview Freewill Baptist Church, with burial in Plainview Cemetery.
