Arthur F. Holland

Arthur Frederick Holland left the surly bonds of earth Friday, the 23rd of May 2014 after 95 years of a life well lived. He was born in Wichita, Kansas on the 16th December 1918. Early in his childhood, his family relocated to a farm in Oklahoma where he worked alongside his parents and three brothers in the midst of a harsh economy. He attended grade and high school in a one room school house. An excellent student, he went on to St. Gregory's University and the University of Oklahoma, where he graduated with honors in petroleum engineering; he held three jobs to finance his education. After graduation, he worked briefly for the War Ordnance department in Hope, Arkansas and then joined the Navy as World War II began. He served as Captain of the minesweeper YMS 11 in the Pacific area.

After the war, Art married Marjorie Freeland and began his career in the oil industry. First with Skelly Oil, he ultimately joined Caulkins Oil Company in Denver, Colorado. The company eventually diversified its interests to include real estate development, and, in addition to managing the oil and gas operations, Art became actively involved in building Vail ski resort and a large citrus operation in Florida. He was President of Vail Gas Utility Company until it was sold, and President of Caulkins Citrus Company until his retirement. While in Florida, he served as a director of the Flagship Bank and President of the Martin County Farm Bureau. He was also a director of the American Friends Society, which sought to provide permanent housing and a better life for migrant workers.

Art was first and foremost a devout Catholic, who served his church and fellow men throughout his life. Moving several times, he became active in every parish he belonged to. Since coming to Houston, he attended St. Anne Church where he served as an usher and member of the vocational committee. He was also a member of the Tuesday Night Prayer Group, active in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and the Serra Club of Houston, where he acted as President in 2003-2004. For many years, he also was an assistant Chaplin for the Prison Ministry. He was unfailingly generous to numerous organizations and causes.

Beloved by all who knew him, Art will be sorely missed. His strength of character, integrity, intelligence and generosity were an inspiration; his wit and sense of humor were legendary. He loved life; golf (he made 2 holes in one), OU and Denver Bronco football, and his family, friends and faith were his passions. He fought for, sacrificed for and lived the American Dream.

Art was predeceased by his parents, Arthur S. and Josephine Holland, and his brothers, Bill, Jim and Clem. Marjorie died after 58 years of marriage in 2003. He is survived by his dear wife of seven years, Cathryn O'Donnell Cutrer Holland, his son, Robert James (Bob) Holland and his wife Lynne, and daughter Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Smith and husband, Roy Bascom Smith, M.D. He is also survived by his grandchildren Wade Holland Smith and wife Ana, Ashley Elizabeth Smith Lofaso and husband Stephen and great grandchildren, Liam Alexander Lofaso and Lucy Marie Smith.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation for the compassionate care Art received from his physicians and caregivers Marie Collins, Lucy Graves, Beth Gourdine, Ne'Andra Camil Boyd and Tammy Wilkins.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock in the evening on Thursday, the 29th of May, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where the Recitation of the Holy Rosary is to commence at seven o’clock in the evening.

The Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at ten o'clock in the morning on Friday, the 30th of May at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2120 Westheimer Road in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to join the family during a reception in the nearby Parish Hall.

A private Rite of Committal will follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests, with gratitude, that memorial contributions in Art's name be directed to the St. Anne School Foundation, 2140 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77098; The Office of Correctional Ministries - Archdiocese of Galveston/Houston, 2403 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77021; or to the charity of one's choice.