John Raymond Holt, 99, Bloomington, IL, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on March 5, 2026, at Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington, IL, followed by a private family Rosary service.
His life will be celebrated at a private family Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington, IL, followed by a private graveside service in Galesburg, IL.
John was born Feb. 17, 1927, in La Salle, IL, the second eldest of four children of J. Raymond and V. Irene Holt. He spent his early years in the Illinois Valley area before his family moved to Galesburg, where he graduated from Corpus Christi High School. After graduation, John proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II, stationed in the South Pacific.
In 1947, John began his working life on the loading dock of May Company, a plumbing and heating wholesale business in Galesburg. He later entered the plumbing trade, becoming a journeyman plumber and launching his own contracting firm, John R. Holt, Inc. At age 45, he sold that business and returned to the wholesale industry, founding PHC Supply Company, later known as Holt Supply Company. Over the years, the company has grown into a family-owned business that today spans three generations—an enduring part of his legacy and a source of deep pride throughout his life.
On Nov. 6, 1948, John married Margaret Anne Kennedy at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Wataga, IL. Together they raised nine children in Galesburg before moving to Bloomington, IL in 2005, where several of their children had settled. John and Margaret Anne shared more than 61 years of marriage until her passing in 2010.
John is survived by his nine children: Dr. James (Cathy) Holt, Marshfield, WI; Rita (Scott) Meland, Bloomington, IL; Daniel (Claudia) Holt, Omaha, NE; Mary (Terry) Butcher, Galesburg, IL; Joan Holt, Bloomington, IL; John (Jann) Holt, Bloomington, IL; Dr. Michael (Dr. Theresa) Holt, Fairfield, IA; Andrew (Jean) Holt, Bloomington, IL; Anne (Dr. Erik) Boe, Bloomington, IL.
He is also survived by 23 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He adored his grandchildren and was delighted with the arrival of his great-grandchildren.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret Anne; his sister, Mary Irene; his brothers Patrick Holt and Thomas “Tom” Holt; and his parents.
A man of deep faith, John was a devout member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington, IL. He believed deeply in the power of faith to shape a meaningful life and was an incredible example of living that faith every day. He treated people with kindness, humility, and respect—values rooted in his belief in God and lived out in the way he approached every relationship. His quiet but steady faith guided him, and it inspired all who knew him.
John lived independently throughout his later years, remaining active in his church and community. Creative and skilled with his hands, John found joy in woodworking, landscaping, and watercolor painting. But more than any hobby, he loved people. He had an extraordinary memory and a sincere interest in others. He listened deeply, remembered details effortlessly, and made every person feel valued, qualities that made him a treasured friend and a deeply trusted confidant.
John leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, hard work, and genuine love for people, a legacy that will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 527 W Jackson St., Bloomington, IL 61701, or a charity of your choice.
To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
