Edward Holland Jr., Esteemed Veteran and Family Man, Passes Away at 98

Edward Holland Jr., a dedicated military veteran and cherished family member, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 98. His life journey began in Liberty Hill, Texas, where he was born in 1927 to parents Virgie Harris Holland and Edward Holland.

At the age of 16, Edward joined the United States Navy in 1943, serving on a floating drydock in the South Pacific until the conclusion of World War II in 1945. Following his military service, he returned to San Antonio, Texas, where he completed his high school education.

In 1947, Edward enlisted in the United States Air Force, receiving his first assignment at the Pentagon in the field of data processing. It was during this time that he met his first wife, Mary Anna Jane Hunter. Together, they raised three children: Jan Creed, Beth Ann Burdick, and Bruce Holland. Edward built a successful military career that culminated in his retirement in 1964.

After leaving the Air Force, he transitioned to civilian life, working in California and later at Cornell University in New York as a database administrator. Throughout his life, Edward remained active in his community. He joined the Los Angeles Harbor Lodge No. 332 and became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Point Fermin Chapter 512, alongside Mary. Edward’s commitment to the Masonic community spanned over 50 years, during which he served as Worshipful Master in 1977 and held the position of Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star Chapter nine times.

Following Mary’s passing in 1982, Edward met his second wife, Laurel Holland, at an Eastern Star meeting. They married in 1984 and spent the next 41 years enjoying retirement together. At the time of his death, Edward was the head of a five-generation family, leaving behind his beloved wife Laurel, daughters Jan Creed and Beth Ann Burdick, and son Bruce Holland.

Edward is also survived by his grandchildren, including Charissa (husband Seth) Franklin, Kyle Holland, Joel Holland, Courtney Burdick, and Bryanna Burdick. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Kaylee Holland, Kyler Holland, Conner Franklin, Ethan Kline, Oliver Austin, Anthony Holland (wife Alexis), and Seth Holland, as well as two great-great-grandchildren, Anthony Holland Junior and Addlyn Holland.

Services will be held at Green Hills Mortuary, located at 27501 S. Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Visitation is scheduled for October 23, 2025, from 16:00 to 20:00, followed by a funeral service on October 24, 2025, at 11:30.

Edward Holland Jr.’s life was marked by his dedication to family, service, and community, leaving an enduring legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him.