Leigh Myers Holt, 89, of Round Rock, Texas, died on January 23, 2024. He was born on July 3, 1934, in Shenandoah Heights, PA, to the late Leigh Miller Holt and Greta Alma Myers. Leigh served in the United States Air Force for 21 1/2 years, achieving the rank of Major. He flew F-100s, the first US supersonic fighter jet. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross while serving at Phan Rang AFB, Vietnam. He was a dedicated pilot who proudly served his country.
Leigh attended Lehigh University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Metallurgical Engineering. He completed Advanced ROTC at Lehigh and was commissioned a second lieutenant upon graduation. Later he earned a Master of Arts in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado. He was a highly educated individual who valued knowledge and continuous learning.
Prior to being called into active duty in the Air Force, Leigh worked for General Electric Corporation. Following his retirement from the military, he had a second career as an analyst at Texas Education Agency in the Proprietary and Veterans Affairs division.
Leigh is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty Jane Holt. He will be deeply missed by his children: Leigh Mark Holt of Ninety-Six, SC, Craig Alan Holt of Westminster, MD, and Scott David Holt of Oersdorf, Germany. He was a cherished grandfather to Kristin Holt, Samantha Holt, Amanda Giersbrook, Courtlin Barata, Brandon Holt and Katie Johnson. Leigh also had the joy of being a great-grandfather to Avery Giersbrook.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Marilyn Ruth Heine Saul and Susan Ellen Dircks.
Leigh, a lifelong Methodist, was a member of Round Rock First United Methodist Church. He served as a Stephen Minister, sang in the Chancel Choir, served as a trustee and was a member of the Journey in Faith Sunday School class.
A memorial service to honor and celebrate Leigh’s life will be held at First United Methodist Church, Round Rock on Monday, February 5th at 11 am. Interment with military honors will follow that afternoon at 3 pm in the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas.
Leigh will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted family man, decorated fighter pilot, and a man of integrity who enjoyed having family and friends surrounding him. His legacy will live on through the love and memories shared by his family and friends.
Source: Posted online on January 28, 2024, Austin American Statesman