Barry K. Holder

Barry Keith Holder Sr., 93, of Frankfort, Kentucky, passed away on June 12, 2026. Services will be held at Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Mike Butler of Crestwood Baptist Church officiating. Visitation and a gathering of family and friends will be held at Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church, 480 Duckers Road, Midway, Kentucky, from 10:00 a.m. until the service hour at 12:00 p.m. Burial will be held the following day at Rosehill Elmwood Cemetery in Owensboro, Kentucky. Born in Owensboro, Kentucky, on January 3, 1933, Barry was the son of the late William Oscar Holder and Mary Elizabeth Holder. He lived a life marked by service, faith, leadership. In addition to his parents, Barry was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela Marie Holder; and his siblings CL, Bill, and Emma Lena. He is survived by his wife, Helen Holder; his daughter, Kim Elizabeth Clawson (Mike) of Charleston, South Carolina; his son, Barry Keith Holder Jr. (Sherry) of Frankfort, Kentucky; and his granddaughters, Blair Elizabeth Clawson of Charleston, South Carolina, Jesse Elizabeth Rieker (Matt) of Boise, Idaho, Lauren Newman Holder of Frankfort, Kentucky, great- granddaughter Landon Elizabeth Rieker of Boise, Idaho, and step-daughter Tonya Wallace (Mark) of Sea Island, Georgia. He also leaves behind numerous friends, church family, and colleagues. Barry proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for nine years and was honorably discharged with the rank of First Master Sergeant. Following his military service, he embarked on a distinguished career in Kentucky state government. Beginning in 1968, Barry dedicated 31 years to public service, serving under eight different governors before his retirement. Throughout his career, he earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and public officials alike for his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the Commonwealth. He served for five years as Chairman of the Deacons of Crestwood Baptist Church and Sunday school teacher for over 50 years. He was a devoted member of Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church, where he continued to worship and serve. Barry was also deeply involved in civic and community organizations. He was a past president of the Frankfort Chapter of the United Nations Association and a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Frankfort. As a Rotary Past District Governor, he exemplified the organization's motto of "Service Above Self" and maintained perfect attendance at Rotary meetings for more than 50 years, a testament to his unwavering commitment and dedication. Pallbearers will be RB Brown, Roger Conn, Bill Elam, Andrew Kent, Bill Scott, Grant Smith, and Mark Wallace. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Rotary Club of Frankfort, the deacons of Crestwood Baptist Church, the “Capital Gang”, and history group members. Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory.

Tributes

Barry K. Holder

January 3, 1933 - June 12, 2026