Daniel (Dan) R. Holland

Daniel (Dan) R. Holland, 70, of Axtell, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side, on Tuesday, August 24, 2021.

Dan was born August 23, 1951 in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Lewis and Mable (Shavers) Holland. He spent his early years in Ider, Alabama where he enjoyed spending time with family exploring Sand Mountain.

He graduated from Gulf High School in New Port Richey, Florida in 1969.  Dan then joined the United States Air Force from 1970-1974.  He proudly served as a military policeman in the ammunition depot during the Vietnam War.  Before deployment to Vietnam, Dan was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, where he met and married Pat (Hill) Holland on October 19, 1970.   Together they had two children, Scott and Tricia.

Upon returning from Vietnam, Dan and Pat moved to Hillsboro, Texas.  Dan attended TSTI (now known as TSTC) in Waco, and received a degree in Printing Production.

In Hillsboro, Dan would become the sole owner of Hill Printing and Office Supply, a family owned business. He continued to thrive as owner/operator for over 25 years. While in his role as a business owner he established many long-lasting relationships within the community.  Dan was very active in the Lion’s Club of Hillsboro, Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce, Hill County Fair and other various programs in his community.  During this time, Dan can be remembered for dressing as Santa Claus for city events, making sno-cones with the Lion’s Club for Bond’s Alley and being called “Dan, Dan, the Chicken Man” at the Hill County Fair.  Dan was also an active member of First Baptist Church in Hillsboro.  As a member, he served as a Deacon, taught Sunday school, and was very active with the Youth Group.

Dan had a big personality and his family and friends were endlessly entertained by his ability to make light of everything.  After selling Hill Printing and Office Supply in 2002, he went on to enjoy his grandkids, Sidney, Baylie, and Braden, and returned to work part-time.  Dan and Pat relocated to Aubrey, Texas to be closer to Pat’s medical specialists.

After losing his wife in 2017, Dan chose to relocate to Phoenix, Arizona with his son Scott. Although there were miles between Dan and his grandkids, he would Face-time Baylie, Braden, and Sidney.  He loved to Face-time Baylie and watch her prepare meals in her kitchen for her new husband.

In March 2021, Dan’s son Scott lost his brief battle with Lymphoma.  Dan came to live with Tricia and her family in Axtell, Texas until he passed away.  While living in Texas, Tricia and Baylie became Dan’s sole caregivers and they were able to spend quality time with him watching his space shows and listening to his favorite artist Adele.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of almost 47 years, and his son.

Dan is survived by his daughter, Tricia Marek (Holland) and husband John of Axtell; his brother, Michael Holland and his loving spouse Bob DiPalma of New Port Richey, Florida; grandchildren, Sidney Holland of Lake Tahoe, California, Baylie Sauceda and husband Austin, and Braden Marek, all of Axtell, Texas; 7 nephews, 1 niece, and 12 great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family of Dan Holland would like to thank Bluebonnet Home Health and Hospice, Providence Heart Failure Clinic, and Waco Cardiology.  With special thanks to Shawna, Dana, Juliette, Beverly, Kim, and Laurie of Bluebonnet and Dr. Barbin, Kat, and Reagan at Waco Cardiology for their care and support.

A memorial service honoring Dan’s life will be held on September 25, 2021, at 3:00 PM at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend Dr. Waco, TX 76708.

You may watch the Live Stream of the service by Clicking HERE.

Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708