Walter D. (Dee) Holbrook

Walter D. (Dee) Holbrook, 88, of Catlettsburg, KY passed away on June 4, 2020 at Kings Daughters Medical Center. He was born on October 25, 1931 in Olive Hill, Kentucky, a son of the late Walter E. and Leaon Duval Holbrook. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Norma Howard Holbrook and an infant son, Howard David Holbrook. Dee grew up in Olive Hill, playing high school basketball as well as baseball for the area travel team. He graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture and was a member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. Norma and he made Ashland their home, later moving to their farm in 1970 where he raised registered Angus cattle. Dee retired from Ashland Oil, Inc. following a 37 year career. After retirement, he continued to farm and enjoy his Belgian horses. He loved his family, supporting his children and grandchildren in their activities. Dee greatly enjoyed sharing his farm with 4 generations of family, providing great enjoyment and life lessons along the way. He hosted Sunday dinners at the farm where all were encouraged to have a good time and many memories were created. Dee was also very compassionate about animals, especially for his horses and dogs. Over the years, numerous dogs wandered his way, the most recent, Rocky, all becoming loyal companions. Dee was always smiling and laughing. He never met a stranger, striking up conversations and finding something in common with people he met.
Dee was a member of Grassland United Methodist Church where he had served as a Trustee and served as a Board Member for the East Fork Volunteer Fire Department.
Those left to remember him include daughters, Holly (Gary) Coleman of Holden Beach, NC, Haven Opell, Rush; sons, Hayden Dyke (Mary Pat) Holbrook of Louisville and Harlan Duff Holbrook (Missy) of Ashland; a brother, Robert A. Holbrook (Evelyn) of Lexington; grandchildren, Benjamin Wade of Lexington, Eric Opell (Trista) of Catlettsburg, Andrea Lone (Brandon) of Midway, Laura Maggard (Brad) of Catlettsburg, Hayden Holbrook, Emma Holbrook and Sophia Holbrook, all of Louisville, Ryley Holbrook of Ashland, Nick Holbrook (Courtney) of Catlettsburg, Gary Coleman, Jr. (Sue) of Wilmington, NC; and five cherished great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Dee’s life will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 7, 2020 at Steen Funeral Home Central Avenue Chapel with Pastor Bobby Ekers officiating. Burial will follow in Olive Hill Memorial Park.
Friends may call from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. Sunday, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers you may make contributions in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at st.jude.org or the Boyd County Animal Shelter, 1025 McCullough Drive, Ashland, KY 41102.
To share a remembrance of Dee or to express a condolence to his family, please visit: www.steenfuneralhome.com.

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