Don Ellsworth Holloway

Don Ellsworth Holloway was born an only child to adoring parents, Henry Ellsworth Holloway and Hulda Melissa (Witt) on March 5, 1934 in Oakland, CA. For fifth grade he moved with his family to Nebraska for a short while and then on to Denver, CO where he graduated from East Denver High School. Don served in the Occupation Army in Germany for two years. While in the Army, Don's beloved father passed away in Denver in 1954. After an honorable discharge from the Army, Don was called to serve in the East German Mission, January of 1956. He also served in Northern California where his mission concluded. After military and mission service, Don turned his attention to his education and started attending BYU Provo in 1958 where he met his lovely bride to be. Don and Marita Louise Holloway, of Modesto, CA were married and sealed in the Manti, Utah LDS Temple on March 20th, 1959. After the start of their new life together, and Don finishing his year at school they moved to Ceres, CA where Don continued his education at Stanislaus State University. Don Jr. and Melissa were born in Modesto. Don graduated in 1962 with a bachelor's degree and a teaching certificate. After graduation, Don obtained a school teaching position in the Hayward, CA Unified School District and the growing Holloway family moved to Castro Valley and then on to a new home in Newark, CA. While living in Newark, three more boys were added to the family, born in Oakland were Marcus and Timothy and Michael in Hayward. Don's aging mother Hulda Melissa Holloway (Witt), also moved in with the family. Don's third child, Marcus, came into the family with many handicaps and provided the family with many special opportunities and challenges. In 1972 the family moved a few miles north into a larger home in Union City where they lived for 21 years. Don's beloved mother passed away in 1978 with him at her side. While living in Union City, Don and Marita welcomed in two foster sons Paul and Michael. The family continued to grow up with Don, Tim and Mike serving missions and they and Melissa getting married and starting families of their own. Throughout his career and to augment the family income, Don work seasonal and part time jobs, in a cannery, in juvenile hall and as a Brink's courier where he spent many days and nights on airplanes. Don enjoyed travelling with his family especially to visit extended family and historical sites and made many, memorable cross country trips with them via automobile, train and airplane. After teaching Elementary and Junior High School for 33 years, Don retired from Hayward Unified School District in June of 1992. Shortly thereafter, Don, Marita, Marcus and the foster sons moved to Thornton, CO to live near some of their children and grandchildren. Over the years Don enjoyed serving as an ordinance worker in the Oakland LDS Temple and continued service after moving to Colorado, in the Denver Temple. Don's life in Thornton included very fond memories with grandchildren and great grandchildren, especially, the years of many monthly birthday celebrations in the Thornton home. Don and Marita continued to provide daily care for Marcus until 2012 when Marcus moved into the home of a caregiver. Don's posterity continues to grow which now includes 17 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren with 3 more great grandchildren on the way. In later years, Don's health declined and on March 2, 2015, Don passed away suddenly at home. Don will be missed and admired for his dedication and love for family and unwavering faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.