Stanley Douglas Holewa

Retired Army Sergeant First Class Stanley Douglas Holewa (age 65), passed away unexpectedly on January 13, 2022 in Killeen, Texas. Stanley was born in Kalamazoo, MI on September 22, 1956 to Stanley and Helen (Baker) Holewa.

Stan’s mother, Helen, agreed to parental consent, allowing him to enlist in the Army at the young age of 17. Stan, (known as “Doug” to his family) began his adventures in military service in 1974, retiring in 1994. Stanley was very proud to be a member of the Calvary Division at Fort Hood, Texas. He served in the 4th, 7th, and 9th Squadrons, the 6th Air Calvary Brigade, of the 1st Calvary Division. His main assignment was in tactical radio communication. Stanley received a Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious service, Bravo Company, 13th Signal Battalion, 1st Calvary Division, during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait. Salute. Hooah!

During his many years of military service, he was deployed to Germany, Guatemala, Korea, and the Persian Gulf. While in Korea, Stan met and in 1977 married OkSun (deceased), the love of his life; they were married for 23 years. Stan is survived by his three older brothers: Ralph (Jane) Holewa, Raymond (Jacqueline) Holewa, and Thomas (Anne) Holewa, all of Michigan. Stan is also survived by several nieces and nephews; he was particularly close to his niece Stacie, who was also stationed at Fort Hood and his nephew Matt, both of whom were deployed to the Persian Gulf with him.

After his retirement from active duty in 1994, Stan began almost 30 years of employment with Custom Printing II, Ltd in Belton, Texas. Forever a soldier at heart, Stan chose to remain in Texas, enabling himself to stay in contact with those who served with him. His close connection with them would continue for the rest of his life. On his “1st Calvary Division” Facebook page, which he began in 2014, he shared memories and experiences from his time in the military, which he affectionately referred to as “Stan Stories” and “Stan Rants.” Aside from his enormous and colorful sense of humor, he was repeatedly noted as being caring and respectful by his fellow soldiers, going above and beyond his duty as an NCO, as well as in his role as administrator for his 1st Calvary Division page.

A memorial service and military burial will take place in Michigan in the near future. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let the perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen