Terry Holden

Terry Martell Holden, 78, of Abilene, Texas, passed away at home on October 16, 2025. Born in Rexburg, Idaho, on January 12th, 1947, to Edgar Martell and Dorothy Reene Anderson, Terry was the oldest of four children. Not long after graduating from Madison High School, Terry met Connie Hoopes who was living in Rexburg at the time attending Ricks College. Terry and Connie were married on August 12, 1967, the beginning of a 58-year adventure that would include extended sojourns in Vietnam (Terry), Afghanistan (Connie), Germany, and too many states to list. Along the way came their children: Terry James (Krum, TX); Ryan Hoopes (Portland, OR); Joshua Bleu (Lubbock, TX); and Mary Alyssa (Abilene, TX). Until his dying breath, Terry was wholly devoted to his wife and children, and eventually, his grandchildren and great-grandchild.

Devoted...Terry was not only devoted to his family, he was devoted to his country, having been a proud Vietnam Veteran and retired Army soldier of 23 years. Terry was devoted to his church, God, and Savior, spending countless hours serving others all across Abilene and swaths of West Texas (much of the time, in the shadows and unknown to others). Terry was devoted to his friends-in the church, in the neighborhood, at Kent's Harley Davidson, and other places his family likely are unaware of; he was such an amenably gregarious man. And, finally, Terry was devoted to a good joke, and most especially, a practical joke that could go on and on and on.

Upon entering retired life, Terry bought his first Harley Davidson. Rides all across Texas and states along the Rocky Mountains, sometimes alone, or with Mary Alyssa or Kaleigh Madison, or with his riding buddies, became as important to Terry's well-being as his family, faith, and friendships. He was a humble member of the local Patriot Guard and loved serving in such a profound capacity.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, brother (Steven), sister (Candy Chapple), and grandson (Jacob Blake). He is survived by his wife; children; Maranda and Jill (his daughters-in-law of almost 30 years); grandchildren: Autumn Rose, Jacob Blake, Shawn Blake, Kaleigh Madison, Landon Ryan, Quinn Nicole, Nicolas Stokes; great granddaughter, Monroe Jane; and only remaining sister and sibling, Claudia Perry (Jackson, WY).

Pallbearers will be TJ Holden, Ryan Holden, Joshua Holden, Shawn Holden, Landon Holden, and Joe McNeel Hoopes (Seattle, WA).

A viewing will be held this Monday, October 20th, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, at Hamil Family Funeral Home, located at 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 21st, at 11:00 AM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 3325 North 12th Street, Abilene, with interment to take place at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery of Abilene, located at 7457 W. Lake Road, Abilene. All are welcome to attend to celebrate and reminisce over a life well lived.