Michael Lee Holder, 79, of Sturgeon passed away on December 28, 2025.  Born November 22, 1946, Mike was a devoted husband to Carolyn for 56 years, father to James (Kim), and a steady source of encouragement to everyone he met.

Family and friends are invited to Mike's Life Celebration at 1:00 PM Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Sunset Hills Cemetery in Madison.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the time of the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Mike loved teaching, farming, and wanted everyone to remember the good times he shared in their lives.

Mike was preceded in death by Jay William, a son in 1972, Larry Holder, brother, and his parents William Chester, and Connie Holder.   Besides, Carolyn and James (Kim), Survivors include brother, Lonnie (Beverly) Holder of Moberly and sister-in-law Carol Holder of Chillicothe, as well as nieces and nephews.

Mike grew up on a farm in Madison, graduated from Madison High School, and attended Northeast Missouri State University where he earned a teaching degree.  Mike started as a shop teacher in Sturgeon High school and later moved to Centralia as a Middle School Industria arts teacher.   He retired after 30 years of teaching in 1998.

Mike was a long-time member of the Missouri River Valley Steam Engine Association in Boonville where he served as a board member for years and helped oversee several projects at the new show grounds.  He was also a member of the Screamin Eagles Case Tractor Club where he served as President and secretary.  He was proud of helping to design and build the Case building at the Boonville show grounds.  Mike was a Sunday school preacher for Sturgeon United Methodist Church for several years where he enjoyed singing in the choir.  He was always quick to help those in the community and was named a 2013 citizen of the year in Sturgeon.  He enjoyed restoring old farm equipment and spending time talking with family and friends.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to special friends Starla Robinson and Nick Sutton who provided exceptional support and assistance over the last several years.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Missouri River Valley Steam Engine Association or the the Screamin Eagles Case Tractor Club and may be sent in care of Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home 104 S. Collier St. Centralia, MO 65240.