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William “Bill” Darrell Holder, 91, of Powell, Wyoming, formerly of Cody, passed away at home with his wife of 72 years Donna Lee (O’Mara) Holder by his side.
Bill was born in Casper, Wyoming on July 18, 1934 to RM “Dick” Holder and Lucy (Welty) Holder. Bill was proud to claim he was “oilfield trash,” as he lived in the Elk Basin and Grass Creek communities for many years. He was a multi-talented man, always able to fix snowmobiles, mowers and especially “Turtles.”
You may not know the man, but you know the legend that is Bill Holder “Head Turtle Herder.” If you attended any parade from Cheyenne to Cody you saw the Shriner go-cart turtles, having fun and helping children. This was just one of many worthy organizations Bill was an active member of for over 40 years. Other organizations that Bill was a member of were First Presbyterian Church, Cody Lions Club, the Eagles, the Masonic Order, the Lions Club (official Ol’ Yeller driver), Quiet Birdman, Cody Country Club Snowmobile Association, Widow’s Sons, and a pilot with Park County Search and Rescue.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Dick and Lucy Holder, brother Dickie Holder, sister Patsy and husband Lowell Tarbett, and brother-in-law Lester McLean.
He is survived by his wife Donna; children Denise Anderson of Lovell, Kim (Bruce) Hicks of Powell, Brent Holder of Cody, and Timothy (Wendy) Holder of Wasilla, Alaska; sister Elvira McLean of Thermopolis; grandchildren Sabra (Jessie) Fuller Marchand, Trent (Sarah) Holder, Hannah Holder, Emily (Matt) Holder Shearer and Lilly (Brian) Holder Sand; six great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
A celebration of life will be held at Ballard Funeral Home on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 at 2 p.m. Memories and condolences can be shared on Bill’s memorial page at BallardFH.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children/Kalif Shrine Travel Fund.
