Herbert Charles Holding, 86 years old and 86 years strong, passed away on April 4, 2026, at IU Ball Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.  Herb was born on March 4, 1940, in Jamestown, TN, the son of Samuel and Ruth (Smith) Holding.

Following graduation from Muncie Central, Herb started his lifelong career in law enforcement, working both with the Norfolk Railroad Police and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office.  In addition, he was a proud member of the National Guard, serving for over twenty-four years.  He was also the co-owner of the Northwest Wrecker company in Delaware County.

He was a dedicated man who loved his wife and family.  As a dad, he was steady, protective, and full of wisdom.  As a grandpa, he was everything you could hope for – supportive, proud, and always there with love and guidance, and a quiet strength that made you feel safe.  He taught his family the value of perseverance, the importance of family, and what it truly means to be strong, not just in body, but in heart.  His legacy lives on in his children and grandchildren.

He was described as the “eternal optimist,” a kind, caring man who was generous to friends and strangers alike.  He faced life with determination, resilience, and a spirit that never wavered.  He was the kind of man who showed up, worked hard, and loved his family deeply.

Herb is survived by his wife, Orpha (Hoover) Holding, his sons, John Holding, Herbert Holding II, and Victor Holding, and two daughters, Kim Campbell (Bruce) and Debbie Holding, and siblings Harold Holding, Harry Holding, and Bernice Miller, sister’s in-law, Faye Oliver, Barbara Ann Bottenly, Karen Joan Timoney, and Yvonne Hoover Miles.  He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Ashley Wright, Austin Holding, Jordan Miller, Alex Holding, Brandon Holding, and Clarissa Michael, and his great-grandchildren, Braden Hawkins, Jack Holding, Layla Holding, Landon Miller, Erin Wright, Eli Wright, and Roman and Noah Michael, and his former wife, Connie Holding.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Ruth Holding, a sister, Betty Pemberton,  his brother-in-law, Jerry Miller, and his beloved dog, Red.

Private family services will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Parson Mortuary with burial to follow at Elm Ridge Cemetery.

His family will carry his strength with them forever.