Michael Edward Holland

Michael Edward “Mike” Holland, age 88, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2023, in Mineral Wells, Texas. He was born July 8, 1935, in Butte, Montana, to Peggy Stevens Holland and Alphonsus Holland.

Mike grew up in Butte and attended Central High School. In 1952, soon after his 17th birthday, Mike convinced his mother to sign papers to allow him to join the U.S. Marine Corps. He was trained in aviation ordnance, and served aboard an aircraft carrier, the USS Coral Sea for a six-month Mediterranean cruise. He also served in Japan and Cuba. Mike was stationed at Grand Prairie Naval Air Station when he met Janet Woodward. In 1962, he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps after 10 years of service. A week later he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and after attending six weeks of Jump School I parachute training, he joined Co. C of the Special Forces at Fort Bragg, NC. Mike and Janet married December 30, 1962, and they lived in San Antonio, Texas, while Mike trained as a Special Forces Medic at Fort Sam Houston. In November 1963, Mike received his Green Beret and was officially a Special Forces Medic. He was promoted to Sergeant again, having been a Sergeant while in the Marine Corps. In early 1964, Mike was sent to Okinawa, Japan for 18 months. During this time ,he served in Vietnam, earning a Combat Infantry Badge and a Bronze Star Medal. When Mike was honorably discharged from Co. B of the 7th Special Forces in September 1965, the couple moved to Stephenville, Texas, where Mike attended Tarleton State College. Both of their children, Michele and Daniel, were born in Stephenville. Mike graduated from Tarleton College in 1969, and the family moved to Mineral Wells, which has been their home ever since. 

While in college, Mike studied agriculture so that he could manage the family ranches. During his career he managed ranches in Haskell, Young, and Palo Pinto Counties. Mike served as president of the Palo Pinto County Farm Bureau, and was a member of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Mike also enjoyed the camaraderie and participation in the functions of the Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Posse for 37 years.  

In 1981, Janet and Mike, along with another couple, acquired True Value Hardware stores in Mineral Wells and Springtown. After a few years Mike and Janet became the sole proprietors of Mineral Wells True Value, until Janet retired from the business.  Mike and Janet were founders and charter members of Holiday Hills Country Club, and helped to found the National Vietnam War Museum in Mineral Wells. Over the years Mike loved participating in the Special Forces Association and attending military conventions around the country. From the time he was a boy, Mike had an insatiable appetite for reading. As an adult, his main interest was history, with a particular fondness for military chronicles, and science, notably geology and historical scientific explorations. Mike led the family on many extensive adventures, driving all over the U.S. and Canada. The family enjoyed exploring many National Parks and natural wonders of the U.S. over the years. Armed with roadside geology books, Mike educated the family while they traveled around the western U.S. One of Mike and Janet’s international trips was to China in 1981.  They returned with wonderful photographs and stories of the history of the country. Subsequent explorations took them to Scandinavia, the historical tapestry of Europe, and journeys to visit Mike’s ancestral roots in County Cork, Ireland and Butte, Montana. Mike and Janet ventured to Egypt, Greece, and Turkey, and took cruises through Portugal, Myanmar, Thailand, Hong Kong, Costa Rica, and Panama, and along the coasts of Argentina and Chile, crafting a mosaic of cherished memories that became the hallmark of their travels. 

Mike was preceded in death by his wife Janet in July, his parents, and his brother Jerry Holland. He is survived by daughter Michele Mills and husband Kevin of Lucas, TX; son Daniel Holland and wife Susan of Graham, TX; grandchildren Jake Holland, Leah Holland, Luke Holland, and Colton Mills; and his cousin, Pat Ward McAlister of Denver, CO.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Debbie Loyd, and family, for assisting Mike the past six years. A private burial will be held at a later date.