Travis Q. Holden

Travis Q. Holden, 96, of Urbana Ohio, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2018 at Hearth & Home Urbana. He is survived by his loving wife Mildred. Born on May 22, 1921 in Kings Mills Ohio, he was the son of the late Charles L. Holden and Ona Holden (nee Starkey). He was preceded in death by sister Marcella Holden and brother Charles L. Holden Jr.
Travis was a 1939 graduate of Kings Mills High School and a 1947 graduate of the University of Cincinnati, College of Engineering. He had been married 75 years to his high school sweetheart, Mildred P. Holden (nee Innis) of Maineville Ohio. He was the devoted father of the late Judy L. Holden, John T. Holden of Cincinnati Ohio, Kathy J. (Michael) Dahler of Southampton MA., and Gregory T. Holden (Audra) of Asheville N.C. In addition, he is survived by five grandchildren, Ryan (Dena) Holden, Jennifer Holden, Lindsey Dahler, Raminta Holden, Gaiva Holden, and one great-grandchild, Luka Holden.
During his junior year of college, he joined the U.S. Army. In basic training, he was interviewed by a team of army scientists. The next day he was riding in a train car headed to a secret location, which turned out to be Oak Ridge Tennessee, “The Atomic City”. His chemical engineering education made him a valuable contributor to the Manhattan Project that would ultimately lead to the successful conclusion of World War II. He returned to college after the war, graduating in 1947.
He immediately began his long career in the paper manufacturing industry, joining Howard Paper Company in Franklin Ohio. Four years later, he was transferred to their Urbana facility, beginning a 67-year residence in his adopted hometown. He and Mildred then began a lifetime membership in Urbana’s United Methodist Church. During his time at Howard Paper he held the positions of Chief Chemist, Plant Supervisor, and Plant Manager.
As a lifetime sports fan, Travis was an Urbana High School booster, loyal Cincinnati Reds fan, University of Cincinnati basketball enthusiast, and attended Ohio State football games until he was 88. After his retirement, he and Mildred joined the Urbana Country Club and became avid golfers. In addition, he continued his long-time interest in the stock market, completed a family genealogy project, and acquired an appreciation of fine art, leading to an enviable collection of Dominick Labino glass pieces. He also enjoyed giving his grandchildren rides in his classic 55 Chevy and 65 Mustang.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2018 in Urbana United Methodist Church, 238 N. Main St. Urbana Ohio, followed by a reception in the church parlor. A private family ceremony will occur at Rose Hill Cemetery in Mason Ohio at a later date. In addition, the family would like to give a special thanks to the wonderful and caring staff of Hearth & Home Urbana. The family prefers that memorial donations be made to benefit Melvin Miller Park with a check made out to: City of Urbana (park/recreation fund c/o Travis Holden in the memo field) and mailed to 205 S. Main St. Urbana, Ohio 43078. Online condolences can be made at www.walterfunerals.com