RACINE – Robert R. Holton, 73, passed away at his residence on July 16, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer.
A lifetime resident of Racine, Bob was born on March 6, 1941, the son of the late Elmer and Maude (nee: Curnow-Heather) Holton. On February 6, 1960, Bob married Jeanene Peden.
Bob was inducted as a Racine Police officer on June 8, 1964 and served for over 33 years as a motorcycle officer, sergeant and lieutenant. He retired in 1997. Bob also started the Racine Police Ride-Along program, served on the Racine Police Association board of directors and the Racine Police Honor Guard, played on the Racine Police charity basketball team and was awarded a number of times for excellence in police duties.
Bob was a man with a strong Christian faith. He was a longtime member of First Evangelical Free Church where he served as a deacon. Bob also belonged to PIGS (Police in God’s Service).
Bob was an athletic man. He played for the Racine Raiders, played and coached for several baseball teams, bowled, golfed, camped, fished and hunted for most of his life. He also was active in local and state politics and served on the Racine County Conservation League.
In addition to his loving wife, Jeanene, Bob is survived by his daughters, Barbara (Mark) Hadley of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, Sandra (David) Servi of Pelican Lake, WI., Karen (Robert) Sorenson of Racine, Julie (Brad) Henderson of Eau Claire, WI; his eleven grandchildren, Brianne and Amber Hadley, Tabatha (Kyle) Laverty, Caleb (Kate) Servi, Katie, Robert and Kimberly Sorenson, Kristie (Jacob) Busche, Sarah, Abigail and Calvin Henderson; his three great grandchildren, Gabriel and Evelyn Laverty and Emma Busche; his sisters and brother, Charlene Moorehead of San Diego, CA, Dorothy Richards of Emmaus, PA, Warren (Cathy) Geyer and Joan Nikolai both of Racine; as well as many dear sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, church family and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Maude Holton, Charles and Estelle Geyer and his brother, Charles Holton.
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Sunday from 3-7 p.m. for a visitation. A service celebrating and honoring Bob’s life will take place at Racine Assembly of God (1325 Airline Rd.) on Monday at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. John Bodnar and Rev. Ken Howe officiating. There will also be a visitation at the church from 10-11 a.m. His interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family will be used to establish a memorial at a later time.
Jeffery & Karen Servi says
So sad to learn of Bob’s passing. We have so many great memories of him. Take comfort in your own memories & know that you will be reunited with him. He will be missed!
Jeffery & Karen
GAIL RICHARDS PHILLIPS says
Sorry we are not able to be there to give you a big hug…know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers and sending our love. Thank you Uncle Bob for the many memories from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania. Love, Gail Wayne Jaclyn
Barbra (Richards) Stephens says
The Richards & Holton families both have worn the roads between Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. It was during these trips that I was able to get to know my Uncle Bob and the rest of my mom’s family. I will always remember the planned picnics and the last night hotel pizza/pool parties. However, the fact that he ALWAYS showed up the morning we were leaving to head back home, just sticks in my memory the most. They say it is the small acts of kindness that leave the largest impressions…God Bless
Carol Richards-Brown says
Aunt Jeanene, Barbara, Sandi, Karen, and Julie, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Uncle Bob. He has touched the hearts of many people and will be missed. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
CHARLES MOOREHEAD JR says
that is such a great tribute to a great man