Donald James Holden

Donald James (Butch) Holden Sr. November 14, 1947 - January 29th, 2011 After a long battle with cancer Donald (Butch) Holden Sr. of Otsego went to be with his Lord on Saturday, January 29th, 2011 at his home. Butch was born on November 4, 1947 to George and Helen Holden and Verne Stratton in Plainwell, Michigan. Butch was employed by Georgia Pacific as a young man and worked there for 27 years. Later in Butches life he was employed by the Tractor Supply Company for five years. Butch led a happy life. Butch married his first wife Sandra Anderson in 1967 together they had two children. In 1973 Butch married Sandra McKie whom he was married to for the last 38 years, Butch and Sandy had 4 more children. This family made up of his, hers and ours blended well and thru the years it has become unclear just who was his, hers, or theirs! Butch loved his horses, hunting, fishing and spending time with his friends and family. Butch was a "people person", he loved people and many loved him because of his outgoing and friendly personality. Butch was a man that may have had little but would give a LOT! He enjoyed helping people. If Butch didn't have something you needed he would find a way to help with your problem. He always seemed to come up with something that would work. He was always happy to help fix something that was broken or just give you something of his that would fix your problem. When you became a friend to Butch, you became his family. Butch loved his parents; he showed his unconditional love for them in the care that he and Sandy provided for them in their final years. One of Butches great loves was his hunts, whether it was for bear, deer, elk or any other animal, he loved "the hunt"! He also loved fishing with his son Mike, his brothers and his many hunting and fishing friends. Many knew Butches favorite color; he loved the color blue. As a matter of fact he loved the color so much that for many years when something needed to be painted he painted it what was called "Butch Holden Blue" by his family and friends. Butch is survived by his wife of 38 years Sandra K. McKie Holden, his children; Michelle (George) Roemer, Missy Town (Claude Hard), Tanya (Dana) Markley, Jamie (Rich) Dunklee, Michael Holden (Mindy Cranfield), and Donald (Amy) Holden Jr., 18 grandchildren, siblings; Bill (Becky) Holden, Bob (Chris) Holden, Verne (Alkie) Holden, Terry (Marsha) Holden, Sandy (Chuck) Gravatt, Bea Holden, James (Midge) Stratton, Bill (Amy) Stratton, Louis (Linda) Stratton, Don (Cindy) Stratton, Ron (Diane) Stratton, Jim (Zeena) Anderson, and his big buddy Den LaFountain, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Butch was preceded in death by his father's George Holden and Vern Stratton, his mother Helen Holden Stratton, his brother John Holden and his sister Jerry Sherwood. Services for Donald J. (Butch) Holden Sr. will be held on Thursday, February 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at the Martin United Methodist Church at 969 E. Allegan Street, Martin Michigan. Pastor Dave Selleck will be officiating. There will be a time for friends and family to gather immediately following the services at the Martin United Methodist Church in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the family to assist them with the funeral expenses.