Lacy Rual Holdeman

Lacy R. Holdeman, 83, of Highland, Arkansas, former Halstead area resident, died February 1, 2006 at his residence. He was born October 12, 1922 in rural Moundridge, son of Joseph K. and Esther D. Luginbill Holdeman. They preceded him in death.

On October 11, 1946 he married Vera M. Bence. She survives of the home. He grew up near Halstead where he attended Harmony Grade School and graduated from Halstead High School in 1941.

He was inducted into the U. S. Army on December 19, 1942. He received basic trainiing at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was stationed at the 20th Armored Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and later transferred to a parachute training base at Fort Benning, Georgia. He graduated from parachute training October 20, 1944 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

He was sent overseas to France and Belgium in April 1945. The atomic bomb dropped over Japan and saved him from the Pacific Theatre of operations. He was discharged April 12, 1946, attaining the rank of Private with Company "F" 541st Parachute Infantry. He earned the American Theatre Service Medal, EAME Service Medal with one Bronze Star and a World War 11 Victory Medal.

He was a Newton resident for 39 years, working at Rose Flour Mill and the Santa Fe Railroad before being employed by the Newton Fire Department. He retired as a captain after 25 1/2 years in 1978. He worked for the Newwton water department until his retirement in 1985. He was employed by the city of Newton for 32 years.

Other survivors: son, Jay K. Holdeman, Newton; daughters, Sue Waller and husband Jim; Marilyn Davis and husband, John; Dawn Clark and husband Herry and Cynthia Sartain and husband Ron, all of Newton; brothers, Bill Holdeman, Marion; Harlin Holdeman, Bothell, Wash.; Willis Holdeman, Wichita and Kenneth Holdeman, Cave City Arkansas; 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Graveside services were held February 4 a Halstead Cemetery. Petersen Funeral Home, Newton was in charge of arrangements. Memorials to Legacy Hospice of North Arkansas.