Cecil Connor Holland, age 96, died peacefully surrounded by family at Oak Creek Terrace, Kettering, Ohio, on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2019. Cecil was born Sept. 8, 1923, in Pomona, Missouri to Cecil and Myrtle (Crapo) Holland.

He served in World War II as a radio operator and mechanic stationed in England. After the war he earned his G.E.D. and later a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary School Social Studies. For almost 25 years, he taught History, Sociology, and Government at Greenon High School in Clark County. Gardening was a lifelong passion, and he wielded his wheel-hoe with power and precision. He loved his dogs and everybody’s dog adored him. He was a dog’s Best Friend.

In 1971 he bought a farm in Blue Creek, Ohio and he retired there in 1982. One Saturday, while attending a farm auction, he found himself bidding against a woman with a terrific sense of humor. He let her win that day and later ended up marrying her, his second wife, Patsy. With the help of family and many kind and giving neighbors, he lived on his farm for over 30 years, pitching hay bales and stacking firewood until he was 89.

Cecil was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Ruth; and his second wife, Patsy. He is survived by his brother Kenneth Quinten Holland of California; his first wife and friend, Frances Harville Holland of Beavercreek; his children: Carolyn (Michael Carbary) Holland, of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Mary (Cinci Stowell) Holland of Dayton; and Robert (Margaret) Holland of Bellbrook; Ruthie McIntosh of Georgetown, Ohio; and grandchildren, Makenna McIntosh and Marcos Carbary; and a community of friendship, related by blood and/or common interests.

A celebration of life service followed by a reception will be held Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. at the Shawnee Lodge, 4404B State Route 125, West Portsmouth, OH 45663. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Wear your favorite flannel shirt in Cecil’s honor.