John M Holt Jr

John M. Holt, Jr., 75, passed away peacefully Thursday evening, July 24, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born January 1, 1950, to the late Ruth and John M. Holt, Sr. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in Columbus. He was a proud Army veteran during the Vietnam War and member of the Lancaster Post 11 American Legion. He truly was our hero. After serving his country, he worked at National Graphics Printing in Columbus.

John loved basketball, softball, bowling, fishing, and the Ohio State Buckeyes. He would often tell his children of how he would run the basketball courts of Columbus for hours on end. He was maybe the greatest horse and around-the-world player in the world, yelling "POW" before the ball even entered the net. In the 8o's and into the 90's, you would catch him on the diamonds at Miller Park rocking those BIKE coaching shorts while playing softball or at Tiki/Lincoln Lanes slinging balls down the lanes with friends.

A master of giving rope burns with his hands, he would test how tough his kids really were from time to time. He loved fishing, taking every opportunity to teach his tricks for landing "the big one". John was the ultimate family man. Whether it was getting his kids where they needed to go (sometimes just in the nick of time), attending practices to make sure things were "done the right way" or showing up hours early to cheer on his grandchildren at their events, John was always there with unwavering support. If you knew him, you loved him. He never knew a stranger and would talk to anyone. He used his silliness and humor to make every situation better. In fact, if there was an Olympic event for orneriness, he would have taken the gold every time. Most people have experienced his signature 'side eye' and 'head turn' when he'd tell a joke, but what followed, was a laughter so contagious it made everyone around him smile.

He is survived by his 6 children that will miss him dearly; Jeff (Christina) Holt, Stefanie (Chuck) Lynch, Michelle (Bruce) Ross, Chris (Shelly) Holt, Brian (Amber) Holt, and Shawn Holt. Grandchildren that will miss their Papaw; Devin, Brooke, Trevor, and Mason Holt, Corey (Megan) Steen, Kayla (Caleb) Slyh, Brandon (Megan) Lynch, Kristi (Ivan) Bruyako, Austin (Lainie) Lynch, Travis (Rylee) Lynch, Chance Ross (Jon Franklin), Carter and Coleson Ross, Ryleigh and Landon Holt, Brianna, Madison, and Brayden Holt, and Albany Holt. Great grandchildren; Garrett Steen, Emilia Lynch, Jaxson Lynch, Charlotte Bruyako, Haven Lynch, Baylor Lynch, Tate Lynch, and two on the way. John was previously married to Karyl Holt, the mother of their children, and remained a devoted father and grandfather throughout his life. Caring cremation has taken place per his wishes. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date to honor the memory of this remarkable man.