David Holman

With deep sadness, we share that Jon David Holman, Sr. passed away during the early morning hours of Friday, February 6th, at the age of 82, just five days shy of his birthday.

While David may be gone, his impact lives on through the deeply rooted values he instilled in all who knew him. He taught the importance of hard work and consistency, and to respect anyone willing to give their best effort. He believed in standing up for what is right, leading with quiet strength, and listening to truly understand. Thoughtful with his words and honest in his actions, David carried himself with calm composure—and was also a bit of a prankster, always finding ways to bring joy and laughter into everyday moments.

David lived a full and remarkable life. He loved the outdoors and had lifelong passions for hunting and fishing. Some of the most cherished family memories were made on lakes fishing and skiing, as well as on the family farm in Monroe where he grew up.

He attended Monroe High School, where he was a standout athlete and where he met the love of his life, Charlotte. He often shared that he would take the long route to the practice field just to catch a glimpse of her while she practiced with the marching band. They met at age 15, married at 21, and spent nearly 64 years side by side—holding hands, caring for one another, and building a life grounded in love and devotion.

David proudly served his country as a decorated Purple Heart recipient in the United States Army. After returning home, he dedicated 38 years of his life to AK Steel, working in various roles and earning the respect of colleagues through his dedication and integrity.

He also found great joy in training horses and his hunting dogs and was a trusted and respected presence in the horseman community. To friends, neighbors, and extended family—many of whom became one and the same—he was simply Dave: someone who always showed up, no matter the circumstances. To his children, he was the greatest Dad. To his grandchildren, he was Papaw (or Pepaw)—a steady source of love, quiet strength, and gentle guidance.

In recent years, David slowed down, and the journey was not always easy. Memory loss is often called “the long goodbye,” requiring patience and resilience, but it was also filled with precious moments of true unconditional love and selflessness. Through it all, love for him only grew stronger, and we remain deeply grateful for the blessings and time shared.

The family takes comfort in knowing that Jesus welcomed him with open arms and we imagine him restored and whole, reunited with loved ones who went before him—He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

David is survived by his wife, of 62 years, Charlotte (Beatty) Holman; children, Jon (Debra) Holman, Jr. and Jana (John) Penn; grandchildren Brittni Holman, Blake Holman and Jonathan Penn; brother, Joe Holman; sister Linda Whisman and many other loving family, neighbors and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Tim Holman.

Visitation will be Wednesday, February 11, 2026 from Noon to 2:00 PM at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd (at Bonita Dr.), Middletown, OH.

Funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM at the funeral home with Reverend Steve Tufts officiating.

Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery with military honors by The Middletown Combined Honor Guard. Pallbearers include Jon Holman, Blake Holman, Joe Holman, Tim Tolliver, Chuck Beatty and John Penn.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105-9959. Please sign the guestbook at WilsonSchrammSpaulding.com.