Donald Ray Holden
May 12, 1944 ~ June 9, 2023

Donald Ray Holden passed away June 9, 2023, at his home in Valley Mills, TX surrounded by his family.   Donald's family will be holding graveside services at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at 11463 TX-195, Killeen, to honor his memory, he military graveside will be held 9 AM Thursday, June 15, 2023, under the direction of Foss Funeral Home and Cremation Center.

Anyone wishing to sign the register may come by the funeral home on Wednesday 9-5 .

In lieu of flowers, donations to Valley Mills Volunteer Fire Department in his name are appreciated.

Mail donation to V.M. Fire Department, PO Box 239, Valley Mills, Texas 76689

Donald, also known to his family as Ray, was 79 years old.   Donald was born in Marlin, TX on May 12, 1944, to Coy and Madge Holden.  Donald was the sixth of 10 kids. He graduated from Chilton High School in1962. He married the love of his life, Sherry A. Bearden of Valley Mills,
TX in 1964 before joining the United States Marine Corps in 1966 and honorably serving in the Vietnam War. Sherry and Donald were married for 58 years and resided in Austin and Valley Mills, TX.

Donald was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all who knew him.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed him. His huge loving heart, his kind and generous spirit, his hard-working attitude, his lighthearted humor, and his great big smile that he always wore upon his face, will be greatly missed.  Donald worked as Computer Software Specialist for the City of Austin and State of Texas until retirement.   He was never one known much for resting.

Donald, along with his wife Sherry, began working together as campground managers in the National Forest Service for over 20 years. They enjoyed living the RV life and working in some of the most beautiful scenic and pristine locations in the USA. Donald enjoyed coaching and mentoring, hunting, and woodworking. Over the last year and a half, his most favorite thing to do was being "Papa" to his best friend, Aila Rayne, his granddaughter. He also loved pulling
pranks on his friends and family. He made it a point to brighten up the day of whomever he met, wherever he went. He was a man of integrity, values and morals and stood up for what he believed in. As hard-headed as he sometimes proved to be, his heart was even softer.  A gift to all who were blessed to have known him, the world became a better place the day that the beautiful bright "Ray" of light that "Don'd" upon the earth known as Donald Ray Holden was born.

Donald is survived by his wife, Sherry Bearden Holden; his son Steven Holden and wife, Cheyenne; granddaughter Aila; his brother, Pete and sisters, Coye, Patsy, Sue, Margie, and many nephews and nieces. Donald was preceded in death by his loving daughter, Tanya; his parents; two brothers and his sister, Charlotte.

You may sign the online register book at www.fossfuneralhome.com