William Dale Holrath

William Dale “Bill” Holrath, long-time Poplar Bluff resident, passed away on December 25, 2025, at Cedargate in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, at the age of 79. He had been in declining health for several years. Bill was born on October 23, 1946, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to the late William Henry Holrath and Helen Louise (Weisbrod) Holrath Bailey.

Enlisting in the United States Army in June 1965, Bill served his country and was stationed for an extended period in Germany before receiving an honorable discharge in July 1968. While serving, Private Holrath achieved an expert rifleman rating (badge) and a national defense service medal.

On February 26, 1972, he married Beverly Elaine McLean, daughter of Douglas George and Elizabeth Jane (McAllister) McLean. To this union were born three children, twin girls, Christine and Catherine, and his favorite daughter Annessa Dawn.

Bill was employed by M/G Transport out of the Port of Paducah (Kentucky) for many years, working up and down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, achieving the rank of 1st Mate, until he was laid off due to the company experiencing financial hardship. He worked as a handy man around town doing odd jobs when he was not on the riverboat. His last period of employment was with Rowe Furniture in Poplar Bluff until its closure. He enjoyed the popular 1960s and 70s craft of macrame, yard work, light construction, wood working, and new cars. He stayed busy, loved seeing a smile on faces of littles in the family, calling all of them “shoog” (short for sugar), and giving more than he ever received in return.

Preceding him in death were his parents, William Henry and Helen, his wife, Beverly, and daughter, Christine Vinson, sisters Brenda Sprague and Linda Haynes. He is survived by his daughters, Catherine (Gary) Dollins, Annessa (Chris) Murdock, son-in-law Kevin Vinson, grandchildren Gregory and Caitlin Dollins, Caleb Vinson, and Megan Murdock.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Crossroads Church Cemetery, Greenville, Missouri, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife of 47 years. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s honor are requested to either the Crossroads Church Cemetery or the Animal Welfare Alliance of Poplar Bluff.