Rev. Gerald E. Holden, age 89 of Joplin, Missouri passed away Friday August 12, 2022, with family
by his side.
He was born April 27, 1933, in Independence, Kansas to Zach and Hildred (Caulkins) Holden.
Gerald was a minister and served at several churches including, Pleasant Hill United Methodist,
Asbury United Methodist, New Hope United Methodist, Alba Friends Church, as well as
pastoring in Oklahoma. He enjoyed collected rocks, elephant figures, and mowing. Gerald
officiated at his children and grandchildren’s weddings and loved making homemade ice cream.
He is survived by two sons, David Holden, Carthage, Missouri, Daniel Holden and wife Leisha,
Carthage, Missouri; two daughters, Susan Deyoe, Joplin, Missouri, Sherry McConnell and
husband Gary, Joplin, Missouri; one brother Richard Holden, Amarillo, Texas, 11 grandchildren
and 18 great grandchildren as well as numerous extended family and friends.
Those gentlemen honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are, Josh Holden, Josh Sherrill, Greg
Deyoe, Tim Deyoe, Zach Holden and Anthony Holden. Honorary pallbearers are, Andrew
Holden, Tyler Gossett, Christian King, and Andrew Deyoe.
Funeral services will be 10:00 am Wednesday August 17, 2022, at Mason-Woodard Mortuary
with Randy Steele and Gale Olson officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery
Independence, Kansas. The family will receive friends 6:00-7:00 pm Tuesday at the mortuary.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory Joplin,
Missouri.