Funeral services for Russell G. Holt, 89, of Jefferson, will be 11:00 am Monday, September 25, 2006 at First United Methodist Church in Jefferson.  Cremation will follow the service.  A graveside committal service for the cremains of both Russell and (his wife) Jane Holt will be held at 12 noon Tuesday September 26th at the Jefferson Cemetery.

Visitation for Russell Holt is from 9:00 am – 9:00 pm Sunday at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home in Jefferson.  The family will be present at the funeral home to greet friends between 6:00 – 8:00 pm Sunday.

Memorials are suggested to the Jefferson Public Library or First United Methodist Church. 

Russell Grant Holt was born January 22, 1917, in Rolfe, Iowa.  He attended schools in Rolfe and Gilmore City before moving to Jefferson in 1931.  After graduating from Jefferson High School in 1934 he worked in his father’s Ford Agency before attending AIB for one year. 

Russell began his banking career at Jefferson State Bank as a cashier in September of 1939 and married Jane Ellen Davidson the same year.  Immediately after their first daughter Nancy was born, Russell received his draft notice from the Army.  Jane and Nancy traveled with him for the next three years.   They returned to Jefferson in 1946 and he resumed his banking career.  Two more daughters, Julie and Penny were born.  Russell pursued a career spanning 42 years at the Jefferson State Bank.  In 1970 he was elected president and oversaw construction of the new bank building. 

Russell was an active member of many community organizations, including:  Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Medical Center Board and Foundation, School Board Treasurer, DeMolay, Score and he started the Methodist Church Handy Dandys.  He was the second recipient of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce ABC award. 

Russ and Jane enjoyed traveling through the years, seeing most of the 50 states and two trips to Europe but their favorite travels were to see their daughters and their families.

Russell Grant Holt died September 20, 2006 at the Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson.  He was 89 years of age.  Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Fern Holt; his wife, Jane Holt; and one brother, Shirley Holt.   Survivors include three daughters: Nancy (Tom) Hoffman of Milwaukee, WI, Julie (Jim) Murphy of Las Vegas, NV and Penny Holt of Atlanta, GA; five grandchildren:  Scott (Ann) Hoffman, Beth (Turgay) Dabak, Brandon Murphy, Kelly Murphy and Jamie Murphy; eight great grandchildren; and sister-in-law Marilyn Muller.