Richard "Dutch" Ervin Holland

Richard Ervin Holland "Dutch", 94, passed away at Marion VA Medical Center on Sunday, September 29th, 2024, in Marion, IN. Born on October 21, 1929, he was a son of the late Ervin Ross and Crystal Christina (Cavanaugh) Holland.

After graduation from Central High, Richard enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country courageously in the Korean War as a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division, he also served as a bodyguard for General Douglas McArthur and served two tours in Vietnam. While in the United States Army, Richard attended New River Community College where he studied to become an electrician. He retired from the military after 22 years of dedicated service. In addition to serving in the military, Richard worked as an electrician for WLBC, Ball Corporation, and the Copex Corporation. After retirement, he enjoyed running his Golf Shop in Muncie, Indiana, and spending time with his many grandchildren.

On May 12, 1973, he married the love of his life, Mary Lou (White) Holland, they shared the truest partnership with a deep love.

Richard’s hobbies included playing golf, hunting, fishing with his 5 children, traveling with his wife Mary, and finding deals at flea markets and garage sales.

Dad (Grandpa), we will miss you, immensely. You were our “go-to” when life got rough, you were our sanity in this crazy world, and our comfort when we needed clarity. You were always someone we could count on, you were a straight shooter, you always got your point across, and always provided us with sound advice. You always made sure we made our decisions after thinking things through.

We find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.

Richard is survived by his children, Richard Michael (Daniella) Holland of Hopkinsville, KY, Jimmy Lee Holland of Hopkinsville, KY, Sandra Jane Lakin of Fountaintown, IN, M. Fay Lindsay of Greenfield, IN, and M. Christine Holland of Muncie, IN; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Clifford "Jack" (Marilyn Kay) Holland; sister, Carolyn Sue Macken; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to both of his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Lou (White) Holland; a son, John Jay Holland; his dog, Smokey Holland; three brothers; and two sisters.

Public visitation for Richard will be held Monday, October 7, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 West Kilgore Avenue, Muncie, Indiana 47304, followed by a funeral service & military honors starting promptly at 1:00 PM.