Aubrey Clay Holt

Aubrey C. Holt, 88, of Galien, Michigan, died peacefully Saturday, January 9, 2016 at his son’s home surrounded by his family. Aubrey was born June 11, 1927 in Nettleton, Arkansas, the son of Lee and Orah (Byerly) Holt.  After serving in the Merchant Marines during WWII, Aubrey married Emily Jo Young on May 5, 1946.  With the help of his best friend, Lee Frost, he brought his family to Galien, Michigan to start a new life.  Aubrey retired from Buchanan Steel Products, Buchanan, Michigan after 36 years of service.  He was the first person baptized at the new home of the Portage Road General Baptist Church.  During the summer you could see Aubrey at flea markets and garage sales.  He will be remembered for the support he gave to family members when they relocated to Michigan and the unconditional love he gave to his children and grandchildren.  He was a man of many talents; but most of all, he loved his wife and family. Aubrey is survived by his children Tim (Marie) Holt and Katie (Jim) Westveer; son-in-law Ed Hoag; grandchildren Corinna (Jay) Stark, Scott (Dawn) Hoag, Chris Holt, J. R. (Sarah) Westveer, Tony (Jayme) Holt and Kim (Mitch) Thibodeau; great-grandchildren Eddie, Joey, Carmen, Aaden, Balin, Rylan, Emily, Brayden, Logan, Evan and Zoey. Aubrey was also grandfather to Cheryl (Jim) Ross and Christy (Jason) Gudenkauf, and great-grandfather to Dominic, Anthony, Vincent, Charlie, Gianna, Allison and Carly. Preceding Aubrey in death was his wife of 67 years Emily Jo; daughter Betty Jo Hoag; brothers Robert, Vernon and Oneal Holt; sister Vera Bradley Edwards; and sister-in-law Carrol Maslowski. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 13.  At the Portage Road General Baptist Church, Niles, Michigan with Pastor Lonnie Rhodes officiating. Interment will follow at Galien Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 12 at Swem Chapel in Buchanan. Memorials on Aubrey’s behalf may be made to the Portage Road General Baptist Church, 1765 Portage Road, Niles, MI  49120. Dad, you will be missed by all, and we hope to live up to the example you set for us. To sign his guest book or leave a condolence message please visit www.swemchapel.com.