Donald L. Holley, 96, of Pentwater, passed away on Sunday, June 8, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family after a long and deeply meaningful life.
Don was born on February 21, 1929, in Paxton, Ill., to Edith and Willard Holley. His childhood spanned several states during the Great Depression—from Illinois to Indiana, Colorado, Ohio, and Michigan—an experience that shaped his resourcefulness and resilience.
At 17, Don enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the Corps of Engineers as a topographical geodetic surveyor, primarily in Panama. After his honorable discharge in 1949, he attended Michigan College of Mines (now Michigan Tech University), earning a degree in civil engineering in 1953. He went on to receive his master’s in civil (sanitary) engineering from the University of Michigan in 1959.
In 1957, Don married Shirley Reid, the love of his life. They shared 68 devoted years together, raising four children together over many years, with all the joys and challenges that came with it. Don encouraged his children’s creativity—fostering interests in music, the arts, and outdoor activities. Family time often included skiing trips, both downhill and cross-country, which became a cherished part of their shared experience.
Don enjoyed a distinguished career in civil and environmental engineering that spanned more than six decades. He worked with consulting firms in Ann Arbor and Lansing before co-founding Capital Consultants in 1966, a successful firm that continues to thrive. Even after retiring in 1990, Don continued working independently as a consultant until 2017. He was a licensed professional engineer in Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin, and a surveyor in Michigan. Don was a life member and Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and also belonged to the Water Environment Association, AWWA, and Tau Beta Pi. He was also honored as a member of the Michigan Tech Academy of Civil and Environmental Engineers.
In later years, Don and Shirley returned to their home in Pentwater, enjoying the quiet rhythm of small-town life, visits from family, and walks along the lake. Don also cultivated a lifelong love of the outdoors—especially fishing, gardening, and being close to nature. These passions became part of the family’s shared fabric: gardening remains a beloved activity across generations, and many of his grandchildren recall early fishing adventures with Grandpa that left a lasting impression.
In the last decades of his life, Don rediscovered a deep love for music—particularly big band and jazz from the 1940s and 1950s. He often played his favorite records on a vintage Magnavox console from the 1950s, filling the house with the timeless voices of the greats.
Don remained intellectually curious and fiercely independent throughout his life. He followed current events closely, had strong opinions, and never hesitated to speak his mind—especially when it came to politics.
He will be remembered for his humility, sharp mind, dry wit, and deep commitment to the people and work he cared about.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley; and their four children: Cindy Holley of Chico, Cali.; Nancy Barberio (Joe) of Houston, Texas; Susan Persson (John) of Pentwater; and Mark Holley (Daniel Klotzman) of Los Angeles, Cali.
He is also survived by six grandchildren: Erika Zavasky (Eric), Dustin Roberts (Lindsay), Sam Weimer, Ashley Demski (Chris), Lucy Holley, and Hannah Persson; and by five great-grandchildren: Reid Zavasky, Quinn Demski, Elijah Demski, Declan Roberts, and Connor Roberts.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at noon at Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, located at 3060 W. US Hwy 10, Ludington. Visitation will take place at the funeral home prior to the service, beginning at 10 a.m.
Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com.
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