Dixie High School

James Andrew “Andy” Holt - 3/30/2011

Class of 1937

On June 7, 1919, in Gunlock, Utah, James Andrew “Andy” Holt was born to Wilford Martin and Blanche Leavitt Holt. He was the second of six children: Milt (Olive), Gunlock, Utah; Berneice McGregor (Deceased); Merlin Holt (Deceased); Gerald (Misha), St. George, Utah; and Ken Holt (Deceased). March 30, 2011, was the day our Dad, Gramp, and Great-grandpa passed away due to a fall. He was 91 years young.

Andy spent his early years in a one-room elementary school in Gunlock. After completing the eighth grade, he continued his education in St. George. While attending Dixie College he met the love of his life, Hilma Esplin. They were married August 30, 1941 and have been inseparable ever since. They were looking forward to celebrating their 70th anniversary in August. They were blessed with three children: Steven (Sue), Washington, Utah; Valyn, Henderson, Nevada; David (Lindy), Las Vegas, Nevada. They were also lucky to have 9 grandchildren to spoil: Staci, Sam, Shelly, Scott, Sindy, Robert, Kevin, Paul, and Josh. Their family has grown throughout the years to also include 14 great-grandchildren who loved them very much.

Andy served in the Navy during World Ward II. After the war, he went to work for Utoco (Utah Oil Company) later American Oil, and then Amoco Oil Co. Andy retired from Amoco in 1974, but he didn’t slow down. He was a volunteer fireman with the St. George Fire Department for 58 years. He was also the first Fire Chief of the Pine Valley Fire Department. He is a member of the St. George Lions Club and also served as President. He volunteered as a Wilderness Patrolman for Dixie National Forest on Pine Valley Mountain for over 20 years. Andy even found time to golf every Monday and Thursday with his friends at Red Hills Golf Course. Besides all of his civic service, Andy has worked faithfully in his church. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served for 10 years in the St. George Temple. Together Andy and Hilma successfully completed two member location missions in the St. George Tabernacle.

Andy was a hard worker and with the help of Hilma always maintained their yards beautifully. He is known for the flowers grown in their St. George and Pine Valley yards and for their vegetables which he enjoyed sharing with everyone. Andy enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors, spoiling his grandkids, golfing, taking the water, riding horses on Pine Valley mountain, a good laugh, watching the stock market, calling his family to make sure his phone was working, grandma’s baking powder biscuits, counting grandma’s shoes and purses, saving his money, but most of all he enjoyed his family. We are all very proud to say that Andy Holt is our Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great-grandpa, and friend. He has been a great example to all of us.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 1:00pm at the Red Hills 3rd Ward Chapel, 200 West 500 North, St. George, Utah. A viewing will be held on Friday, April 1, 2011, from 6:00-8:00pm at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St. and on Saturday, April 2, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Chapel, prior to services. Interment will be at the St. George City Cemetery.

Our family would like to thank the caring and loving staff and friends at Sterling Court and the kind and compassionate staff on the first floor of Dixie Regional Medical Center. We appreciate all of your support and kind words during this difficult time.

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