Bobby Holden, Sr. Obituary

Bobby Don Holden, Sr., age 80, passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2022, in Plano, Tx.

Graveside Service: 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Springtown Cemetery, Springtown.

Bobby “Don” Holden, Sr, was born in Fort Worth, Texas on August 30, 1941 to Jack and Gaynelle Holden of Springtown.  He was the middle child of the family with Loretta four years his senior and Dan five years later.

Don spent his formative years in Springtown, Texas. He and his family were engaged in all aspects of community involvement.  Don attended elementary, junior high, and high school in Springtown. He excelled in all of the local sports and regularly succeeded in helping Springtown with his skills in football, basketball and track.

As a result of his athletic ability, Don received a scholarship offer from Cisco Junior College playing football. After completing the two years of football and studies, Don returned to Springtown and married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Ellen Sandlin, on September 30, 1961.  They lived in Springtown while he finished his bachelor's degree in physical education from North Texas State University (now UNT). He also received his Masters degree in the early 70’s, becoming the first Holden to ever do so.

Afterwards, Don secured a position with the Dallas Independent School District and moved the family to Farmer's Branch. During this time, they had their three boys, Bobby, Billy, and Brad. They moved to North Dallas and are still in the same house after 45 years.

Don split his teaching career between Dallas and Plano Independent School districts. During his tenure, Don had a driving desire to help and impact the lives of many. The things he accomplished in a sports team environment were unmatched. Don's direct interaction with these children has lasting memories and enhanced their lives for many years. Not a day goes by that a previous student doesn't have something to say about what they learned from him, or that helped them be better people and to help overcome some of life’s many hardships. 

Don was a family man first and foremost.  His three boys were the light of his life and he spent many days interacting in their lives and training them to be men and fathers in a challenging world. Once his kids had their kids, Don quickly transitioned into the Grandpa role seamlessly.  He helped shape their lives, but spoiled them with every conceivable toy and candy imaginable. Something extra special about Don was, he taught at least nine of his children/grandchildren how to drive!

Almost as important as family, Don was an avid Cowboys fan with multiple hat and shirt combinations galore.   You rarely saw him any day without something that represented the Cowboys!

Don is survived by his wife of 61 years (Nancy), his brother and sister, (Loretta Gay and Roy Dan); his three boys (Bobby, Billy, and Brad), his three daughters in-law (Denise, Amy, Missy), seven grandchildren (Chris, Kyle, Josh, Callie, Kelsey, Carson, Jake and Jax), two granddaughters in-law (Carlee and Rachael) and four great-grandchildren (Ellis, Avery, Kyler and Carter).  This family of his was the light of Don’s life!