Obituary: Terry Lee Holden

Terry Lee Holden

July 15,1946 - April 8, 2024

Terry Lee Holden, 77, was called to his Lord and Savior on Monday, April 8, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, husband, friend and comrade to those who knew him. He was preceded in death by wife Carol, parents June and John R. Holden, brother Robert Holden, and sister Gerri Sawyer. He is survived by sister Bonnie Gemoets, brothers Garrey Richard Burger and Larry R. Burger, sister Dawn Emani, nephew Chris Sawyer, numerous nephews and nieces, friends, comrades and SAR patriots.

TL was born in Dayton, OH on July 15,1946 to Robert and June Burger. Later he moved to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico with his mother and siblings. He graduated from Truth or Consequences High School in 1965. Following graduation, he worked as a uranium miner before matriculating to Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU), Portales, NM. There he met the love of his life, Carol Sue Huddleston; they celebrated 50 years together.

In 1966, Terry was drafted by the U.S. Army becoming an artillery surveyor before going to Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, OK, graduating as a Second Lieutenant of Field Artillery. He was assigned to the U.S. Air Defense Artillery School and Center Fort Bliss, TX as an Air Defense instructor and platoon leader for two years. He rotated to Korea serving as battery commander and staff officer in the 6th Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment and 38th ADA Brigade for 13 months.

He returned home after four years of service to attend ENMU from which he graduated with a BS in Industrial Education, becoming a Vocational Education teacher at Portales School for 25 years. During this period, Terry completed a Master of Science and an Education Specialist degree from ENMU.

TL joined the New Mexico Army National Guard after his active-duty service commanding battery, battalion and brigade units, ultimately attaining the rank of Brigadier General. His assignments saw his service in Oklahoma, Texas, Korea, New Mexico, Japan, and Germany.

Retiring after 25 years of teaching, 31 years of military service, and 10 years as a defense contractor in the United States and Europe, Terry and his wife, Carol, retired in Sherman, TX. He was a Sons of the American Revolution Patriot (SAR) and a member of the Sons of the Society of the War of 1812. He additionally was life member of the Association of the United States Army. Terry and Carol were master gardeners in Grayson County, TX.

Memorial services are pending.