William E. Holden, 93, of Hiawatha, died Thursday afternoon, April 16, 2015, at Hiawatha Community Hospital.
He was born three miles north of Highland, December 12, 1921, one of three children born to Everett W. and Gladys Grace Bingman Holden.  Bill grew up near Highland where he attended country school, later graduated high school at Leona in 1940.  He was an Army veteran of World War II, discharged at the rank of sergeant in 1946.  He returned to northeast Kansas to farm, later worked as an electrician for Streib & Son Heating/Cooling, prior to working as a custodian for USD #415 at the Robinson School, before retiring.
Bill married Mary K. Phillips, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Hiawatha, February 4, 1946.  They have made Hiawatha their home most of their married life.  She survives.
Also surviving are two daughters:  Mary Ellen (Dan) Bryan of Chillicothe, MO, Sandra (Wayne) Feuerbacher of Oskaloosa; William J. (Cathy) Holden of Weir, Kansas; two sisters:  Ellen Winchester Land and Marietta Holden, both of Hiawatha; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson Darin Bryan, and a brother Melvin as a toddler.
A Celebration of Bill’s life is planned for 2 p.m. Monday, April 20, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Hiawatha, with Reverend Priscilla Davies officiating.  Interment will follow at the Highland Cemetery.
Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, from 12 noon until 6 Sunday evening.  The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services at Church.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Morrill Free Public Library of Hiawatha or Myleodysplastic Syndrome, which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.  A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com