| Graduation Year | Class of 1964 |
| Date of Passing | Jun 08, 2022 |
| About | Rick was most famous for his acquisition of titles; known by something different by almost everyone who knew him. "Scooter" Holden was brother to Beverly and Ted, son of Charles and Virginia, and a kid who roamed the streets of Irving, Texas, through the 1950s knowing it was time to come home only when the porch lights came on for dinner. Petty Officer, 2nd Class, Holden took an opportunity to drop from his first attempt at college to join the Navy during the Vietnam War. He trained in Kodiak, Alaska, and attained the rank of Aviation Electronics Technician N, Petty Officer 2nd Class, while serving in Attack Squadron 52, the "Knightriders," supporting the maintenance of A-6E Intruders. He was honorably discharged in December 1968. Officer Holden, recently married to his first wife Denise, used his military experience and interest in the concept of justice to serve as a police officer and certified firearms instructor in Bellingham and Colfax, Washington, and later in his hometown of Irving, TX. Dr. Holden attained a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University in 1980 and landed his first college teaching role at Central Missouri State University (CMSU) in Warrensburg, MO. In his first year at CMSU, he was given the opportunity to serve as interim department chair while the university searched for a replacement for the retiring chairman. They never found one. Dr. Holden taught criminal justice and chaired the CJ department at CMSU (later UCM) for 24 years. Mr. Holden, father of three (Julie, Jeff and Greg), rotated between "Dad" and "Coach." He supported, loved, coached, and educated his children to adulthood and attained the title of "Papa" in 2008 when his first grandchild was born; eight more would follow. He and his second wife, Debbie, continued to provide warmth and love to all who knew them. |
