Jack Kenneth Holder, 93, of Jacksboro, passed away peacefully in his home with loved ones at his side. Although his life was long, his death was unexpected.

Jack was the 11th of 12 children born to William Lee Holder and Martha Bell McBride. He was born on April 30, 1927 in Newcastle.

He married Lela Veda Wiley on June 1, 1945 in Graham. They had three boys, Kenneth Holder, Dewayne Holder, and Larry Holder.

Jack was a mechanic for most of his life and Lela was a homemaker. They moved several times through the years, but made Jacksboro their home in 1974. Jack worked for many companies, Halliburton, BJ Hughes, Barnes Drilling, Originala, Shanafelt drilling and last 3R Productions. Jack and Lela lived for their kids and grandkids. Family was the most important thing to both of them.

After Lela passed in 2001, Jack became quite the Ladies Man. He loved to dress up in the shiniest, flashiest shirts and go dancing. He was very particular in dressing to dance. He insisted on shoes with all leather soles to slide better and he loved wearing a cowboy hat to complete his outfit. His dancing schedule was three times a week and if you wanted to plan any family event, it could not be on a dance night. Jack also loved to make his famous chocolate covered peanuts to share at the dance. His dance friends quickly became his second family. He loved for people to ask his secret to living so long and looking so young. He would proudly say, “It’s because I dance”.

He preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and five sisters. Also, waiting to welcome him to heaven are his wife Lela Holder, son Kenneth Holder.

He is survived by sons, Dwayne Holder and Debbie of Frisco, Texas. Son Larry Holder and Donna of Jacksboro. Three grandchildren, Tonya and Jeff Treadway of Jacksboro, Michael Holder and Lacy of Frisco, and Tracy Holder and Heather Russell of Jacksboro. Great grandchildren include Harlie Holder, Zhakry Fletcher, Wade Treadway, Will Treadway, Diesel Holder, Kaiden Russell, Ella Holder and Charlotte Holder.

Funeral services were held Friday, December 4 at Coker Funeral Home with the burial following at Graceland Cemetery in Jermyn