Donavon N. Holderread, 73, passed away on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka.
Born on March 10, 1948 in Plymouth, Indiana he was the son of Othel and Ivis (Renz) Holderread. He attended Tyner High School and then transferred to John Glenn High School graduating with the class of 1967. On December 21, 1968 he married Barbara Hughes at the Plymouth Church of the Brethren.
Donavon proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War attached to the 2nd Armored Division, 7th Battalion, 6th Infantry Division Alpha Company of Ft. Hood, Texas. He was awarded a Combat Infantry Badge for combat actions and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Donavon was also awarded the Expert Infantryman Badge, an award that all infantrymen aspire to achieve. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant after 2 years of service.
After his service he attended Ancilla College receiving an Associates Degree in Business. Donavon worked for the Marshall County Sheriffs Office as a Jailer and then for the U.S. Post Office as a mail carrier for 19 years until his retirement. Working multiple jobs to do whatever it took to provide for his family.
Donavon was the past commander for the Plymouth VFW Post #1162 and DAV Chapter 42, often extending and helping veterans with their benefits. He enjoyed wood carving and genealogy. In the 1980’s he started a home computer club. Donavon enjoyed going to classic car shows and amateur ham radio.
He is survived by his wife Barbara of Plymouth; sons: Donavon (Angela) Holderread Jr. of McDonough, GA; Brian (Chasity) Holderread of Warsaw; Jason Holderread of Plymouth; sister Linda Holderread Pearl of Walkerton; granddaughters: Kelsey Back, Lindsay Holderread, Josie Holderread, grandsons: Corey Holderread, Matthew Holderread, Jobe Holderread, as well as several nieces and nephews and other extended family.
Donavon is preceded in death by his father Othel, mother Ivis and brother Johnie “Butch” Wallace.
A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, August 7, 2021 from 11- 1 p.m. at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. Following the memorial gathering, there will be military honors rendered outside at the Plymouth VFW Post#1162 at 2:30 p.m.
Burial will take place in the Marion National Cemetery, Marion at later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Marshall County Humane Society, 11165 13th Rd. Plymouth, IN 46563 or to the Plymouth American Legion Post #27, 1040 E Jefferson St, Plymouth, IN 46563.
PLEASE NOTE: The family requests for visitors to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
Suzanne Gibson says
THE MEMBERS OF THE VFW 1162 AUXILIARY ARE ALL SADDEN , HEART BROKEN TO HEAR OF DONAVON’S PASSING
DONAVON WAS A MUCH LOVED MEMBER OF THE POST THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER PERSON LIKE HIM – WE ALL ENJOYED IT WHEN HE DONE KARAOKE DOWN AT THE POST IT WAS ALWAYS A GREAT TIME
THE MANY AMAZING HALLOWEEN COSTUMES WE ALWAYS WORE
HIS WAS A RAY OF SUNSHINE TO THE POST
HIS LEADERSHIP AND LOVE OF OTHER VETERANS WAS AWE INSPRING
TO NOT ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE POST BUT ALWAYS TO ME SUZANNE GIBSON HE WAS THE REASON THAT TO THIS DAY I WORK SO HARD FOR VETERANS RIGHTS AND HEALTH CARE
WE WILL MISS HIM DEARLY
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH DONAVON’S FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS
MAY GOD’S LOVE AND COMFORT BE WITH YOU ALL
SUZANNE GIBSON
VFW AUXILIARY 1162
CHAPLAIN
Suzanne Gibson says
i meant to say to all the members of the post and esp to me Suzanne he was the main reason i devote a lot of time to helping to veterans
i will always thank him for that and remember him for his love of his veteran buddies and his love of this country God Speed Donavon
Cynthia Milner says
SO VERY, VERY Sorry about Donavan’s passing. We saw him a few weeks ago. I know he suffered a lot over the years.
Dang Vietnam!
Cynthia Milner says
SO VERY, VERY Sorry about Donavan’s passing. We saw him a few weeks ago. I know he suffered a lot over the years.
Darn Vietnam!
Cynthia Milner says
SO VERY, VERY Sorry about Donavan’s passing. We saw him a few weeks ago. I know he suffered a lot over the years.
Paula Fairchild says
So So Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God Bless and bring you Peace and comfort at this hard time. Love you All. Paula Fairchild and Family.
Denny and margaret says
Sorry for lose !! Don was loving caring person and we are glad we were part of his life !! Sincerely Denny and margaret. Vermillion
Tracy and chloe says
Sorry for your loss! We had a lot of funny memories and to only think I was his pen up girl Sending love and prayers to you all!
Anita Sumerix says
Thank you Don for your Brave Military Service, we are all better off for your sacrifice ,a brave soul will never be forgotten. Peace from God and his Angels be with all of Dons family. 🌻
Jackie Strong says
Sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this time. Don and Jackie Strong
David Warner says
I was sad to hear of his passing, I instantly had a lot of good memories flash through my mind from all the years of being family. The famous moped incident came first and I had to laugh to myself. Then came other wonderful memories of Uncle Don’s sense of humor I always appreciated and liked that to me he was fun and funny and could liven my spirits. The Christmas gatherings with him as Santa. He even thanked me for my service in the Navy being an army guy he of course gave me some military humor to go with it. I will forever appreciate him as well I will miss him and I am thankful for his service in the times he served it was like nothing else. Rest in Heaven you will be missed but always loved and respected.
Tom Skelly says
Served with “Ski” in the 1st Air Cav in 1969 in Vietnam. He will be missed.
Carol Esquibel says
Don was a wonderful brother-in-law, he was so talented. I still remember as a child the wonderful sculptures he made of snow on Christmas Eve. It was a child’s menagerie at least it was to me. Even though he suffered great anguish and trauma through the Vietnam War he still came back with his creative spirit. That same spirit is enjoying a Heavenly kingdom where there is no pain, war, or death. Only peace, light, hope Creative Spirit of God.
Danielle says
I wish I could’ve made it up there to say good byes and also celebrate his life full accomplishments. Love and prayers from Danielle Teising and my kiddos