Eddie M. Holton, age 70, slipped peacefully into the arms of his Savior on Friday, April 20, 2012, in Columbus, OH.
Born in Huntington, WV, to the late James and Eloise (Ellis) Holton on November 29, 1941, Eddie captured everyone’s hearts from the time he first started smiling. That same smile endeared him to each person he met, even through the end of his battle with cancer.
A fierce patriot and talented aviator, Eddie graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, the Army National Guard, and the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division and 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. His passion for things that “go fast” took him on a journey from racing with NASCAR to working for Porsche to teaching aeronautics at Ohio State University. Growing up around the family business, Holton TV, gave Eddie a keen mind for mechanics, which he later applied as a systems safety engineer for the U.S. Department of Defense and NASA contractor. He greatly enjoyed American history and was a proud member of the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles group dedicated to the legacy of Lewis and Clark.
He is survived by daughters, Jennifer (Chris) Davis and Mary (George) Simons; seven grandchildren; sister, Sandra (Dan) Vanthoff; and the Ellis family.
The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the staff of First Community Village and the InCare Hospice Team for their wonderful care and support. Memorial contributions in memory of Eddie may be made to: InCare Central Ohio (Hospice), 2233 North Bank Drive, Columbus, OH 43220.
Services will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 2 p.m. at MORELAND FUNERAL HOME, 55 East Schrock Road, Westerville.