Dr. Jarrell D. Holt

Dr. Jarrell D. Holt, affectionately known to his friends as ""Doc"", died Tuesday October 29, 2013 at Oakdale Care Center after an extended illness.
Dr. Holt was the only son of the late James Mac Holt and Ora Essie Woolly, born at Greenbrier, Faulkner County, Arkansas on September 5, 1921. He attended public school at Conway, Arkansas. During Jarrell's years at Conway, he played trumpet in the High School Band and also with the Hendrix College Band. An outstanding baseball player, Jarrell played with the Greenbrier Independent team. He was even more talented at fast-pitch Softball and was drafted from the Junior League at the age of 14 to play in the Men's Fast-Pitch League, playing on a number of championship teams against world-renowned teams such as the World Champion Worthen Bankers and players the likes of ""King Kong"" Kelley and ""Whirlwind"" Moore.
After graduation from Conway High School in 1936 at the age of 15, Jarrell entered Arkansas State Teacher's College in Conway (currently University of Central Arkansas). While at college he played in the Band; sang in the Chorus and served two years as President of the Phi Alpha Zeta Fraternity. Jarrell also worked four years in the college library; served as reporter for the college newspaper and on the staff of the college yearbook. He was also chosen for the college leadership organization ""The Royal Rooters"".
In the spring of 1942, Jarrell graduated from Arkansas State Teachers College with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in biology. Immediately following graduation he went to work in the chemistry laboratory at the Army Ordnance Powder Plant at Marche, Pulaski County, currently Maumelle) Arkansas. In August of 1942, he volunteered for the U.S. Navy Air Corp Reserve. He was sent to primary Civilian Pilot training in Conway, then to secondary C.P.T. at the University of Arkansas, and then to Pre Flight training at the University of North Carolina. He completed Primary Flight Training at Peru, Indiana and completed his flight training at Pensacola, Florida winning his wings and an Ensign commission.
Ensign Holt was assigned to fleet duty with Squadron VPB 128, serving one tour of duty on anti-submarine patrol in the Atlantic. His second tour of duty with the VPB 128 took him to the South Pacific flying PV-1. For his service in the South Pacific he was awarded the Air Medal with Five Stars and the Distinguished Flying Cross with Three Clusters. At the end of World War II, he was assigned to the Admiral Staff at the main station in Pensacola. Since he had earned enough points for an early release, he was placed on inactive duty at the end of 1945. He returned to Conway and with the encouragement of his family dentist made application and was accepted for admission to Washington University Dental School in St. Louis, Missouri, beginning in the fall of 1946. In the spring of 1947, Jarrell was offered a ""no-cut"" contract by the New York Yankee organization to play in the Sally League, but made the decision to stay in school. While in dental school, he served as President of the Tau Chapter of the Psi Phi Fraternity. One summer he played Semi-pro baseball in the Southeast Arkansas - Louisiana Mill League and another summer he played in the St. Louis Muny League. After graduating in 1950 with a Degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery, the Korean War was on going and the Navy was calling reserves in both the Air Corp and the Dental Corp. Dr. Holt elected to join his friend, Dr. Bob Boon in his dental practice in Dexter, Missouri. After settling in Dexter, he moved his elderly parents from Conway to make their home with him in Missouri. In the 1960's Dr. Holt partnered with Dr. George Blaich in the Dental Arts Clinic at Poplar Bluff, choosing to move with his parents to a home he purchased there. He always stayed active in his church, the First United Methodist on Main Street, singing in the choir, teaching Bible Study classes and faithfully attending services. His service to his community included serving on the Poplar Bluff Airport Advisory Board; Poplar Bluff Planning and Zoning Committee (serving as Secretary); Black River Coliseum Advisory Board; and Zoning Board of Adjustments. He was an Instructor at Three Rivers College and worked hard for the development of that institution of learning. His memberships in Fraternal Organizations and Clubs included the opportunities to further serve his community through The Elks Lodge, Poplar Bluff and Wappapello Eagles, Poplar Bluff AMVETS, Bowling Association, local and State chapters of the Missouri Council for the Blind serving as President of the Local chapter and on the Board of Directors for the State.
Survivors include a cousin, Charles W. Woodward (Jo-Ed) of Conway, Arkansas; special friends and caregivers, Mike Smith (Billie) of Poplar Bluff, and many other friends and acquaintances.
Those who cared for him will sorely miss Dr. Holt. He leaves a legacy of caring, serving and encouragement to those around him.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 31st at Cotrell Funeral Chapel. The funeral service, beginning with an observance by the Elks Organization, will begin at 1 p.m. on Friday, November 1st at the First United Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff. The Rev. David Stewart will officiate. Burial with full military honors will be at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Endowment Fund at First United Methodist Church, 500 North Main St. Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.