Michael Sullivan Holder, 63, of Vanceburg, passed away at home on February 10, 2024, after battling cancer. Mike was born on December 10, 1960, in Louisville, a son of Edwin V. “EV” and Elizabeth “Lib” Holder. He attended the University of Kentucky and graduated from Morehead State University with a master’s degree in English.
Mike taught middle and high school Language Arts for over 25 years and instilled the love of language in thousands of students. He served as a Writing Resource Teacher for the Kentucky Writing Program and the Kentucky Department of Education where he supported hundreds of teachers with writing instruction. One of Mike’s teaching career highlights was being selected for the inaugural group of teachers for the Toyota International Teachers Program where he served two weeks as a Kentucky ambassador learning about Japanese education, culture, and environmental efforts.
Friends and family referred to Mike as a gentle soul who had a big heart. He loved great literature and poetry. Mike loved to dance and as a former high school band member, he enjoyed a wide variety of music. He was involved in supporting drama at Lewis County High School and East Jessamine High School, as well as the Lewis County Theatre Guild. He deeply loved his family.
He is survived by two sisters, Diane (Ben) Johnson and Jean (Chris) McGlone of Vanceburg, and three brothers, Vic (Kathy) Holder and John (Kayla) Holder of Vanceburg, and Mac (Marcia Rhinehart) Holder of Rush, New York. Mike had a special bond with his nieces and nephews, BC and Zach Johnson, Erin Gordon, Jessica Holder, Emma Littleton, Megan Suttles, Alex McGlone, Tatum Gunzel, Sammy Holder, Reyner Collins, and Adalee Holder, along with his cousins and countless friends. He will be greatly missed.
A brief gathering of family and friends will honor Mike the morning of Friday, February 23, 2024, at Lewis County Memory Gardens at Black Oak. Friends and family are encouraged to join in the Celebration of Life event, February 23, 2024, at the Black Oak Volunteer Fire Department. Family will be providing event details.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike’s name to the Lewis County Educational Foundation, PO Box 34, Vanceburg, KY 41179, and Lewis County High School Band, 79 Lions Lane, Vanceburg, KY 41179.
“Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak knits up the o-er wrought heart and bids it break.” Shakespeare, Macbeth
Gaydos Funeral Home in Vanceburg is caring for the family of Michael Sullivan Holder.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.gaydosfh.com.
