Edwin Holt

On June 22,2018, Heaven welcomed Bastrop resident Edwin Luther Holt. Ed was predeceased by parents Luther Avens Holt and Verdie Lively Holt, brothers Roy, Marshall, and Luther and sisters Ruby Burris, Georgia Baker, and Zelma Lancaster.

Ed was born in a dog-trot cabin on October 26, 1916 near Elkhart, Texas. After being orphaned at age 10, he was raised in Waco at the Methodists' Childrens Home. He graduated in 1935 from Waco High School where he was named an All District Guard for football. While enrolled at Mary Hardin Baylor (an all girls college), he worked as a "campus boy" in the college dairy to cover costs of his tuition, room, and board. Since boys were not allowed to graduate from Mary Hardin Baylor, he transferred to complete his senior year and graduate from Baylor University in 1939 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. Later, he earned a Masters Degree from Vandercook School of Music in Chicago, Illinois by attending classes during the summers. On Christmas Day 1940, he married his college sweetheart Helen Dreiblebis at her family home in San Juan, Texas.

In 1943, Ed served as a Chaplain's Assistant in the United States Coast Guard. He was assigned to duty at Brooklyn Navy Yard where he awaited the construction of the USS General J.C. Brekenridge. While in port at Norfolk and Portsmouth, Virginia, he played for church services on numerous aircraft carriers and the Battleship Texas. He was a plank owner of this Coast Guard Troop Transport which made 13 trips across the Atlantic carrying 5000 troops at a time to France. His last voyage was from France through the Panama Canal to the Philippines and back to San Francisco. In January or 1946, he received his honorable discharge and returned home to Texas.

During his career as a music educator, Ed directed award-winning bands in Wharton, Luling, Pharr San Juan Alamo, Laredo, San Marcos, and Austin. He also served as a church choir director in many cities where he lived. After retiring, Ed continued his interest in music by playing the piano and learning to play the organ. He developed gardening skills which benefited family and friends who enjoyed his homegrown tomatoes and green beans. His many furry friends ranged in size from chihuahua to rottweiler, and he indulged them as members of the family. As a loyal fan, Ed proudly wore a Baylor cap and supported his Bears, with love.

Ed treasured time with family and proudly welcomed new additions. He is survived by Helen Dreibelbis Holt (wife of 77 years), son David Holt (Nancy), granddaughters Erika Pesek (Chris) and Heather Burke (Steven), and great grandchildren Lila Burke and Jonas Burke.

The family thanks caregivers at Bastrop Nursing Center and Argent Court Assisted Living for attention and care they provided the past 2 years. A special thanks to Shirley Jones for devotion in helping take care of Ed.

Memorial service at 2:00pm Thursday June 28 at Calvary Episcopal Church, 603 Spring St., Bastrop, Texas. Reception follows at Heritage Hall. Contributions in honor of Ed may be made to Calvary Episcopal Church, PO Box 721, Bastrop, Texas.

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