Robert Lee Holden
Robert Lee Holden, 90, of Rockingham, VA, passed away October 26, 2024, in Hospice Care at Life Care Center of New Market. Born June 13, 1934, in Oberlin, Ohio, Robert was the son of the late Leland F Holden and Florence E Smith Holden.
Robert married his wife, Martha L Crum, on January 26,1957 in Mt. Solon and they were a few weeks shy of celebrating their 60th Anniversary when Martha passed away in 2017. Their life was full of activities they did together: raising their 3 children and 4 grandchildren, enjoying family camping, taking trips to favorite vacation spots, attending auctions and yard sales, putting together puzzles, gardening, and hosting events and dinner parties at Bear Trap Farm, the property he owned in Mt. Solon. Every tax season, Martha could be found helping in Robert's office where he referred to her as his "Gal Friday". Robert loved to collect model trains, coins, and antique cars and was a dedicated blood donor for many years. He enjoyed playing softball in the church or local leagues, sometimes along with one or two of his sons. In later years, he looked forward to his workout sessions at the RMH Wellness Center as being fit was a lifelong obsession. He showcased his athletic abilities annually at the Virginia Senior Games where he won several medals for softball, running, and discus, including many gold.
Robert graduated from Oberlin High School and was a celebrated football player, playing both offense and defense. After high school, he started college at the University of Cincinnati on a full football scholarship but left after the first semester to enlist in the US Army, deploying to Korea for 16 months in 1955-56 as a radio/communications specialist near the DMZ (38th Parallel), and playing on the service football team.
After his service, Robert relocated to Virginia to attend Bridgewater College where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1961. He continued to showcase his football skills by playing on the BC Eagles team.
After graduation from BC, Robert worked as an accountant for American Safety Razor in Verona. In 1964 Robert started his 20-year employment as an accountant and computer operator for Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) in Dayton. He earned his Master of Science in Accounting in May 1984 from James Madison University. Robert was so proud of this accomplishment because he was working full time while attending his classes in the evening. In 1985, Robert left SVEC to start his own accounting business, Holden Tax and Accounting Services, Inc. He took pride in his work and many of his clients became lifelong friends. He became an Enrolled Agent with the Internal Revenue Service in November 1996. He was extremely proud of this affiliation as he could represent his clients in front of the IRS, and he made sure he attended annual classes to keep himself up to date with the latest tax laws until he retired in 2018.
As a longtime member of Bridgewater United Methodist Church, Robert enjoyed participating in church activities and Sunday School, and serving as an usher while his wife sang in the choir.
Robert was a dedicated member of the Bridgewater Ruritan Club for 45 years. He enjoyed volunteering in the Bingo Tent at the Bridgewater Lawn Party and the Bridgewater Ruritan Club food booth at the Rockingham County Fair.
Robert is survived by his sons William Holden and wife Donna, Christopher Holden and wife Natasha, and Keith Holden and wife Kimberly; four grandchildren, Derek Holden, Megan Holden, Blake Holden, and Allee Holden; great nephew, Severin Nunn and great niece, Tessa Nunn.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Martha L Holden and his brother, Jack Holden and wife Jolla, and Jack's 3 children, Todd Holden, Polly Holden Nunn, and Jeff Holden.
A Memorial Service will be held at Bridgewater United Methodist Church on Monday, November 4, 2024 at 2:00 pm. Private burial will be in the Greenwood-Ames Cemetery in Bridgewater.
Arrangements are by Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater and favorite memories and online condolences can be shared at johnsonfs.com. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org.
