Eugene "Poppy" Holbert

Eugene was born to Melvin F. and Lula (nee’ Miller) Holbert and grew up in Santa Barbara, California where he graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1958. After graduating High School, he joined the United States Air Force. While stationed at Pope Air Force Base, in 1963, he met and married the former Frances Louise McLean, the love of his life. Together they raised six children: Sherman (Denise) Swann, the late David Kennedy, Donald Kennedy, Sylvia Brown, Lisa (Barry) Evans, and Debra (Malachi) Micheaux.

While in serving in the USAF Eugene was a Security Forces Non-Commissioned Officer and his duty locations included Berlin AB Germany and Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, Arizona. Upon retiring from the military Eugene pursued a career at ABCO Markets. After retiring from ABCO he went on to begin a third career with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

In 1966 Eugene was initiated into West Temple Lodge Number 425, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas (Masons). He also worked with Grandview Lodge #23, Noah Consistory #55, and Scimitar Temple #108. He also served as the Grand Lodge Secretary for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Arizona.

In his passing he leaves behind, his wife, Frances, “Bunny; five children Sylvia, Lisa, Debra, Sherman, and Donald; honorary daughter Diane (Garry) Cochran. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren Brian and DeNisa McGraw, Jessica Holbert, Malachi and Michael Eugene Micheaux, Shari Swann, Barry Eugene Evans; honorary grand-daughter April (Jay) Graham, honorary grand-son Jeremy Cochran; six great-grandchildren Lailani, Brandon, and Jovante McGraw, K-Ci McGraw-Mitchell; Jaliyah Harden and Samaya Stovall. He is survived by his brother Price (Katie) Holbert, sister-in-law Marlene Coubry”, two brothers-in-law Joseph and Willie-Neal McLean, and a host of nieces and nephews. His parents, sister Frankie, and brother Melvin preceded him in death.