Tom

Holding

Tommy Harold "Tom" Holding, 82, of Blanchard, OK went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 9, 2021.  A 'Celebration of Life' service will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, September 13, 2021, at the First Baptist Church of Blanchard, OK.  Tom's life was an instrument of integrity, generosity, and blessings.

Tom was born January 12, 1939, in Chickasha, OK to H.T. and Elizabeth Duke Holding.  He grew up on a farm in the Ninnekah school district and graduated from Ninnekah High School in the class of 1957.   While in NHS, Tom was active in athletics, lettering in both basketball and baseball.  He was Pres. of his FFA Chapter and excelled in Dairy Show judging and speech contests.  Tom was issued the State Junior Master Farmer Degree.  He was also Pres. Of Student Council, his Jr. Class, and Sr. Class.  He was an active member of Ninnekah First Baptist Church serving in various capacities.

In the fall of 1957, Tom enrolled at Baylor University in Waco, TX.  He attended there until 1959 when he was called home to help with farming when his dad was injured in a tractor accident.  It was shortly after this that Tom was employed by Oklahoma National Bank as a teller in Chickasha.  He was mentored by some intelligent and well-respected men who encouraged him in banking.  He very much enjoyed the ONB family while still working on the farm. Tom liked to play pool during his lunch time.

In 1965, Tom met a young lady from the Oklahoma College for Women campus who would a couple years later become his wife.  Tom and Lynda Hanna were married July 15, 1967, in the United Methodist Church in Tipton, OK.  He always said it was the hottest night of the year!  Tom and Lynda made their home in Chickasha for the next ten years.  Tom was active in Rotary Club, a service organization, and served as President in 1974-75.  Before becoming a member of the Chickasha Rotary, Tom was one of six young men in Oklahoma to participate in a Rotary Exchange Program to South Africa.  He felt privileged and honored to make that trip.  During these early years of marriage, Tom was in business with his brother-in-law raising Gelbvieh cattle.  This was a new experience since he had been around black Angus cattle on the Holding farm. Tom enjoyed league bowling and golf.  He always had a bird-dog so he did some hunting and fishing.  He and Lynda had three sons while in Chickasha: Stuart Hayden, Brook Duke, and Patrick Jess.  Tom was an active member of College Heights Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher.

Super Bowl Sunday of 1977, with snow on the ground, the Holdings moved their family to Blanchard, OK where Tom became Pres. of the First State Bank.  When the bank sold in 1982, Tom went to work for Matador Processors, learning much about frozen and processed foods.  In 1987, after a call from ONB friends, he went back to banking; making the drive every day to Chickasha.  With three boys in sports, Tom found the time to attend many Little League games; coaching baseball a few years.  He served on the Little League Board and was involved in the different booster clubs.  Tom was an honest man; a man of integrity and tried to help his banking customers. His favorite thing about banking was meeting the people and attending the stock shows.   After retiring from First National Bank of Blanchard in 2004, Tom helped Lynda take care of grandchildren; so now he answered to 'Pops! Summertime always found Tom raising a big garden and sharing his produce with family and friends.   After health issues put an end to the gardening, Tom enjoyed watching TV sports:  golf, tennis, basketball (especially the University of Connecticut girls' basketball), and girls' softball.  Tom was an active member of Blanchard First Baptist Church.  He taught Sunday School for years, served on many committees, ushered, and counted money until his health declined.  Tom gave his life to the Lord at age seven; he never wavered from his beliefs and was a wise and stable leader for his family.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Lynda, of the home, three sons, Stuart and wife Kim Holding of Blanchard, Brook and wife Heather Holding of Marlow, Patrick and wife Lynette Holding of Blanchard.  He leaves six grandchildren that were a delight and joy to him:  Charli Blair, Lyndey Hannah, Mason Keith, Carter Jess, Samuel Nate, and Sarah Elizabeth.

Tom is also survived by two sisters and brothers-in-law, Patricia and Terry Rackley of Boerne, TX and Linda Kay and Ed Buss of Shawnee, OK.  He was 'Uncle Tommy' to five nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made in loving memory to:  Blanchard FBC Building Fund, PO Box 370, Blanchard, OK  73010.  Arrangements are under the direction of Eisenhour Funeral Home of Blanchard.  Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.eisenhourfh.com.