John L Holden, III

John L. Holden,, III (Big John) was born to John Holden, Jr. and Sercie Lee Holden on November 11, 1949, in Gary, Indiana.  He grew up in Gary, Indiana and graduated from Tolleston High School in 1968.  After high school, John enlisted in the United States Army and served two years in the Vietnam War.  Upon his return he started a career in the steel industry.  He worked for U.S. Steel for 36 years, before retiring in 2003.  John was very popular amongst his coworkers.  They frequently referred to him as "STUD" even as recent as a couple of weeks ago.  One coworker remarked "We are still talking about you in the department."

He is preceded in death by his father, John Holden, Jr., grandparents, John and Mamie Holden, sisters, Pearletha Holden, Lillie Holden; brothers, Sylvester Holden, Lazarus Holden; brother-in-law, David Torrence ; nephews, George Holden, Jr., Elder Josiah Holden, and Trent Torrence.

He leaves behind his cherished mother, Sercie Lee Holden; five children, James Holden, Sonya (Shawn) Holden, Michael (Kura) Holden, John Holden, Jr., and Ryan Holden; four brothers, Robert Holden, Oscar (Norma) Holden, James (Lola) Holden and George Holden; two sisters, Christine Torrence and Sabrina Holden; thirteen grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; ex-wife, Alene Holden; daughter-in-law, Lasandra Holden; sisters-in-law, Sandra Parrott and Levern Buchannan; special friends, Hill Top, Theodues Parker, Jr., and Trivia Smith and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Due to covid restrictions, only 50 people are allowed in attendance. Face masks and social distancing are enforced.

We will always remember that special smile, that caring heart, and that warm embrace you always gave us.  Thank you for being there for us through good and bad times no matter what.  We will always remember you because there will never be another one to replace you in our hearts.   We will love you always, your children.

ECCLESIASTES 3:1-4    There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build , a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance...

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