1926-2008

Services were held Jan. 5 at the Northport Evangelical Covenant Church for Harold W. Holton of Northport who died Jan. 1 at Tendercare of Leelanau. He was 81.

He was born Sept. 25, 1926, in Northport, the son of Harold and Hannah (Johnson) Holton.

On Oct. 15, 1947, at the First Lutheran Church in Suttons Bay, he married the former Patricia Marvel Send, who survives.

He was a lifelong sailor and traveled the world’s oceans as part of the Military Sealift Command until his retirement after 29 years of service from 1965 to 1995. His service was recognized with the U.S. Navy Mariner Award of Excellence, a Navy Unit Commendation, and a commendation for his service in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He was a member of the Northport Evangelical Covenant Church. After his retirement, he worked at the Northport Marina.

Also surviving are his children, Suzanne (William) Wollenweber of Northport, John Wesley (Carol) Holton of Ormond Beach, Fla., Deborah Holton of Traverse City and Lorri (Gerard) Belanger of Lake Leelanau; a brother, Donald (Patricia) Holton of Grand Rapids; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a brother, Lyle Holton.

Burial will be at a later date in Leelanau Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Leelanau Township Fire Department, P.O. Box 338, Northport, MI 49670; and/pr to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1040 Walnut St., Traverse City, MI 49684.