Allen Ray (Al) Holt, 75, of Highland, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 at Hitz Memorial Home in Alhambra.
Al was born on September 23, 1949, in St. Louis to Orville A. and Merle G. (nee Adams) Holt. He married Sandra Lynn Immer in Highland on May 5, 1973.
He attended grade schools in Edwardsville and Carpenter before the family moved to Highland in 1958. He then attended Highland schools through his graduation in 1967. He was a member of some of Highland High’s best Bulldog basketball teams in the mid-60s.
He served in the U.S. Air Force as an accountant from June, 1969-December, 1972, being stationed near Izmir, Turkey and near Madrid, Spain. He reached the rank of Staff Sergeant.
After his military discharge, he returned to Highland where he worked at Alton Box Board while earning his Associates Degree from SIU-Edwardsville and Belleville Area College.
He began his 37-year career, working for the U. S. Social Security Administration in July, 1973. He worked his way up to District Manager, working in Alton, East St. Louis, Belleville, Effingham and Anderson, IN, and earning numerous performance awards along the way. He became Highland’s personal Social Security advisor on his own time as he instructed hundreds of area residents how to maneuver the complexities of filing for benefits. He retired from SSA in Dec., 2010.
Simultaneously, he began a second career, joining the Highland News Leader staff as a sportswriter for more than a decade throughout the 90s. He became well known in Highland as he positively affected the lives of hundreds of young athletes and their families by highlighting their sports careers. He also enjoyed the chance to work closely with his brother Steve.
First and foremost was Al’s dedication to his family. He coached all three of his sons in basketball, baseball and soccer. When they all headed to college, he and Sandy traveled across the Midwest as the boys played college baseball and football. Even when his grandkids were participating in sports or other activities, they drove thousands of miles to Bloomington, Chicago and Dallas to support them.
He was a member of Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland. Al enjoyed bike riding, playing cards with friends and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders and Boston Celtics fan.
His circle of friends grew larger and stronger throughout his life. He played men’s league basketball, fast pitch and slow pitch softball, coaching many of those teams, as well as women’s softball teams, at the same time. In recent years, he added even more good friends, playing golf with his beloved Bogey Buddies.
Survivors include:
Spouse – Sandra Holt, Highland, IL
Mother – Merle White, Highland, IL
Son – Travis A. (Paige, M.D.) Holt, M.D., Bloomington, IL
Son – Brian M. (Phoenix) Holt, J.D., Oak Park, IL
Son – Derek S. (Rebekah) Holt, Parker, TX
Brother – Steve L. (Terri) Holt, Highland, IL
Brother-In-Law – Dennis L. (Christine) Immer
Sister-In-Law – Karen S. Immer
Grandchild – Lila P. Holt (Triplet)
Grandchild – Adilenne G. Holt (Triplet)
Grandchild – William H. Holt (Triplet)
Grandchild – Parker C. Holt
Grandchild – Piper A. Holt
Grandchild – Violet E. Holt
Grandchild – Grayson A. Holt
Grandchild – Sebastian X. Holt
Grandchild – Harrison W. Holt
He was preceded in death by:
Father – Orville Allen Holt (died 12/11/1987)
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, with Father John Heater.
Interment will follow at Highland City Cemetery with a military salute and presentation.
Memorial contributions may be made to Glioblastoma Foundation, Carle Foundation Neonatal ICU, or OSF Children’s Hospital Neonatal ICU.
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