Darrell "Dutch" T. Holland, Lt. Col. (Ret.), 92, Kansas City, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. His loving parents John Turner Holland and Ever Lena "Mimi" Holland and older sister Alladean have preceded him in death.

Born September 30, 1930 in the rural town of Rondo, Arkansas, Darrell's early years were marked by a loving family, supportive teachers, and devotion to God. He was very studious and earned a B.S. in Mathematics from the College of the Ozarks (now University of the Ozarks). He taught math at Helena-West Helena High School before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1954. After basic training at Lackland AFB, TX and assignment to McChord AFB, WA, Darrell returned in January 1955 to Lackland AFB for Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant.

Darrell was selected to attend Pennsylvania State University, where he received a B.S. in Meteorology in July 1956. Following his first meteorological assignment to Nouasseur Air Base, Morocco, he held numerous U.S. assignments including graduate meteorology training, and overseas assignments in Turkey and Japan. He retired after 26 years -- in July 1980 -- at Ft. Leavenworth, KS after his last assignment as the Staff Weather Officer. That same year he received his M.S. in Systems Management. Even into retirement, Darrell remained active in the military community, sponsoring CGSC Japanese and other international students for more than 34 years.

While stationed at Ft. Riley, KS as the Chief Weather Forecaster in 1958, Darrell was introduced to Marjorie Budden. They both were active with their churches and youth groups. They married in December of that year and shared 64 happy years together, continuing to have God as the center of their lives. The family they created together will remember him as a cornerstone: an involved and supportive father and grandfather who loved joyfully and unconditionally. His curiosity, faithfulness, and respect for others are foundational examples of his legacy.

All who knew him knew that Darrell was an avid, lifelong gardener. His passion for gardening was passed on to his children and grandchildren, who have fond memories of him creating extensive landscapes in each place that he lived, including an authentic Japanese bridge and koi pond.

Darrell was also a three-time cancer survivor, committed to fitness all his life -- mind, body, and spirit. He and Margie lived in Olympia, WA for 4 years while his grandson was young. There, he took up Tai Chi, which he later taught at the local YWCA and continued teaching when they moved back to Kansas.

He would always read up on the history of where we were visiting in places around the world and be our personal history guide.

Darrell was dearly loved by all who knew him. He was an outgoing and social person, and would go out of his way to lend a hand, helping out whenever needed. He inspired many with his laughter, ever-positive attitude, encouragement, natural leadership, and enduring faith. Throughout his life, he was very active in church and the communities in which he lived. Highlights of Darrell's social contributions include:

Received the Japanese Defense Cooperation Award in Tokyo, Japan in 2015

Helped with Leavenworth Sr. High School international teenagers for 11 years

Girls Scouts of America, co-adviser with Margie for 7 years

English as a Second Language, First Presbyterian Church

Kiwanis Club of Leavenworth, member and former President

KC People to People

YMCA senior fitness and Tai Chi instructor, Kansas City, KS and Olympia, WA

Tour guide, Ft. Leavenworth, KS

First Presbyterian Church member and former deacon, bell and chancellor choirs

Sponsor of Air Force Angels while instructing AF ROTC at St. Louis University

Member of Bonsai Club, Olympia, WA

Member of Ft. Leavenworth Historical Society

Member of Ft Leavenworth Volksmarch Club

Youth group counselor at Ft. Leavenworth Main Post Chapel

Japanese Society of Kansas City

Darrell is survived by his wife, Marjorie "Margie" Holland, his son John Holland (Michele) and daughters Linda Cooper (Richard) and Susan Harris (Carl); five grandsons: Jeremy, Josh, Jerrod, David and Turner; two granddaughters: Alyssa (Jason) and Jackie; one great-grandson, Isidore; and three great-granddaughters: Aureliana, Kyla and Keelyn.

Visitation will be 12:30 to 1:30 P.M., Thursday February 9, 2023 at the First Presbyterian Church, 407 Walnut Street, Leavenworth. Funeral Service will follow at 1:30 P.M. at the church (Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89155420169?pwd=WDV2WXIzYzgveWxKWTNTNFFzb0NCUT09 ). Burial will be at Mount Muncie Cemetery. The family strongly requests that masks be worn at both the Visitation and the Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Davis Funeral Chapel and can be applied either for the First Presbyterian Church, or a memorial bench to be placed by the Leavenworth Parks and Rec Department in honor of Dutch.