Wesley Holt

Wesley Alvin Holt, passed on January 27, 2026, at his home in Grove, Oklahoma, at the age of 77 from an extended battle with cancer. Born on May 28, 1948, in Manhattan, Kansas, he was the son of the late Donald and Ardyce (Yantiss) Holt.

Wes graduated from Blue Valley High School in Randolph in 1966 and continued his education at Bethany College in Lindsborg. From Bethany, he then served in the United States Air Force, stationed at F.E. Warren AFB in Cheyenne, Wyoming as a military policeman. He was a life member of the Olsburg American Legion Post 284 and a member of the National Rifle Association.

In 1968 Wes married Pam Beard, and together they were blessed with three children, Tami, Kari and Dusty. They later divorced.

Wes was raised in the hills of the beautiful Blue Valley. After the completion of Tuttle Creek Dam, his family moved to Holt’s Happy Hollow on the banks of Bluff Creek and lived there until moving to Grove, Oklahoma in 1999.

Wes was a member of Olsburg Lutheran Church, moving his membership from the Mariadahl Lutheran Church after the church held its last service due to the construction of the dam.

A highlight of his life was when he served as Pottawatomie County Commissioner for 8 years. He was proudly involved in various civic roles and through his time on the commission, was able to serve on numerous local and national committees. He was able to travel Washington, D.C. where he got to know many senators, congressmen, as well as two presidents, President George Bush Sr., and President Bill Clinton.

After moving to Grove, he began his second career as a real estate appraiser. He owned and operated Appraisals of Grand Lake until his passing.

Wes loved music. He played the guitar and had a wonderful singing voice. He truly adored his pets and saw that their needs were met even before his own. They were a constant source of comfort and joy to him.

He is survived by his former wife, caregiver and significant other of over 20 years, Cheryl Marshall; his children, Tami Howland (Jeff) of Olsburg, Kari Holt of Manhattan and Dusty Holt (Wesley Shields) of Raytown, MO; stepchildren, Michael Marshall (Sammy Rogers) of Fairland, OK, and Michelle Martin (Al) of Jay, OK.; and brother Dan Holt (Shari) of Olsburg, KS.

He is also survived by grandchildren, Taellor (Andrew), Bailee (Trace), Kaylin (Tate), Colby (Reba) and step grandchildren Nathan, Amber, Nicole, Calvin, Logan, and Alivia; and 18 great grandchildren along with many extended family members and a host of friends and acquaintances.

A Celebration of Life for Wes will be held 11:00 am on February 28, 2026, at Nichols-Stephens Funeral & Cremation Services in Grove, OK.

On April 4, 2026, when the hills are turning green, there will be a celebration of life held at Holt’s Happy Hollow at 11:00 am. All family, friends and neighbors are welcome to attend.

Local memorial donations to the Mariadahl Cemetery are welcomed and can be mailed c/o Union State Bank, PO Box 67, Olsburg KS 66520.