Clinton Leroy “Popeye” Holden  passed away  Dec 23, 2022 with family present in his home at the age of 89 after a long fight with Alzheimer’s.

He was  born May 8, 1933 in Imogene, IA to Parents William and Mildred Holden.

His family moved to Springfield when his parents bought the Red Wing Tourist Court on Route 66 between Strafford and Springfield.  He was raised in the Springfield area attending Jarrett Jr High and Senior High School then graduating from Strafford High school in 1950.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Mother in Law Odetta Jenkins, brother William and sisters Betty Comstock,  Rosalie Kendrick and Linda Gaddie.

Survived by his wife of 64 years Betty Sue, brother Jim, sister Judy, two sons Randall and Kirby along with three grandkids, Rachel, Lillian and Zachery along with numerous nieces and nephews

Popeye had several jobs in the Springfield area after graduating high school with stints at  Turners and the Ford garage but retiring in 1990 after 33 years with Holsum Bakery.

He served in the Army from May of 1953 until 1955, he was stationed in France

In 1957 he met and then in 1958 married the love of his life Betty Sue Jenkins they had two sons and stayed in the Springfield area his entire life with the last 50 being in their home by Doling Park on Campbell street before moving to Creekside.  They were members of the North National Church of Christ now Valley Water Mill for over 50 years with Clint accepting Christ 52 years ago.   Clint loved traveling with Betty and taking his cars to car shows with his  favorite being his 1963 Ford Falcon Convertible seen many times at car cruises in the Springfield area and in the Route 66 Parade.  They had the Falcon for over 35 years driving it across the country to car shows and camping.  Many camping trips were also made to bluegrass festivals, Table rock Lake and Petit Jean mountain where it was time to relax and enjoy friends and good music with Betty.  Over the years Popeye belonged to several car clubs dating back to the 50s.  Several being Kleen Klunkers car club, Hilltoppers and the Falcon club of America where he made many friends and won lots of awards with the Falcon.

Clint loved his boys and grandkids taking them camping ( Boy Scouts), helping them with car projects, going to the park, attending school events, fixing them up one of a kind gifts and vacationing with them, he would even spend time at Disney or on the boat with the grandkids, he was not a big fan of either but he knew Betty enjoyed it.

Clint was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who will be missed dearly.

Special thanks to Creekside Assisted Living and the Lodge along with Haven Hospice for their patience and care for Clint over the last several years.

Donations can be made to St Judes or Fair Havens Children’s home in Clint’s memory