John Paul Holdren, of Springfield, Missouri, sadly departed this world on January 4th, 2024 at the sweet age of 85 years old. He was born on May 22, 1938, in Springfield, Missouri to his loving parents, Glenn and Ruth Holdren. John met the love of his life, Myrtle Crossland at the tender age of 16 and they would soon marry, have two children, Rick and Debbie and enjoy almost 70 years of love, laughter, support, and companionship together! Despite only having an eighth grade education and not being able to read or write, John started a new job at Coca-Cola Bottling Company in 1957. Soon all the guys in the factory voted John head union steward because of his honest, fair and firm Ways. He would hold that title for the rest of his tenure at the company. John dedicated over 30+ years of his life to the factory and the union, but unfortunately had to retire on disability 3 years before he would receive his pension due to injuries, sustained on the job. His hard work, dedication and commitment to his family and friends, as well as his job will forever be remembered. John loved to hunt and fish as a boy and that continued on with the Holdren Famliy Reunion’s, which were held twice a year at Ruark Bluff on Stockton Lake Mo. His siblings would all gather their family’s and spend a week fishing, boating, swimming and gathering by the campfire at night to spread love, sing songs and tell stories. These were some of John’s most cherished moments with his wife and grandkids, surrounded by his entire family! John was a very loving and generous man and was always there for his family to lend a helping hand. He would gladly give you his last $20 dollars if you were struggling and asked him for help. He always made sure there was plenty of food to eat and a warm safe home to live in. The holidays were always filled with love and laughter, as well as big dinners and lots of presents for the grandkids at Christmas. John loved nothing more than to gather his family around him and his door was always open 24/7 to anyone he loved. John is survived by his wife, Myrtle Holdren, with whom he shared his entire life with. Their love is never ending, in this life and the next and their bond truly unbreakable. She held a special place in his heart, as she was his childhood sweetheart and they would beat all odds and remain together for the rest of his life. They shared the good times and the bad, as well as the happiness and the sorrow this life can bring. They loved and supported one another through thick and thin and their commitment, love and dedication to each other set an example for everyone who knew them. Even as John battled stage IV lung cancer, prostate cancer, congestive heart failure, COPD and many other health issues, he looked after and took care of Myrtle who was battling Alzheimer’s disease as well as a debilitating tumor in her back. John was truly superman at this point in his life and a hero to all that knew of his situation. He also took care of his little dog Izzy, who he loved and treated just like a member of the family. After going outside to do her business, she would always return to Johns lap and give him a kiss on each side of his cheek before getting her beloved treat! He is also survived by his brother Ivan Holdren, 94 years old, his dear son, Rick Holdren, son-in-law Clay Barner, his grandsons, Jamie Holdren(wife Kim), Billy Choate, Danny Holdren and Matt Barner(wife Stephanie) as well as great grandchildren, Byron Holdren, Ellie Barner, Chloe Barner, Oliver Barner and Natalie Barner. John was preceded in death by his only daughter, Debbie Barner, who lost her fight with ovarian cancer several years ago. Debbie held a special place in John’s heart and her loss was almost unbearable for him. Anyone who knew John knew that he held a deep love for those close to him and did not deal well with the loss of a loved one. John was also preceded in death by his sisters, Mary, Hazel and Rose(husband Fenimore), as well as his brothers Jerry(Chub)(wife Sets)and Charlie(wife Pauline). John touched the hearts of all who knew him. He was a caregiver, provider and protector. He built a successful life for himself, his wife and his family despite all the cards stacked against him. He was a very loving, smart and witty man who loved to laugh and joke around, often using extreme sarcasm in his humor. John is deeply mourned and sadly missed by all those who knew him but especially by his wife, son, grandchildren and brother. His passing has left a huge void in their hearts that can never be filled, but also leaves them with many wonderful memories that they will cherish forever. “To live in the hearts of others is to have never died at all.”

Graveside service will be on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.