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DAVID EARL HOLT,

Published: Saturday, March 21, 2009 9:12 PM MST

former head director of the Austin Public Library and professional musician, died early Tuesday morning, March 17, 2009. He was 80 years old.

He was born and raised in Magna, Utah. A gifted trombonist, composer and musical arranger, he played with many bands and orchestras including, Tommy Dorsey, Tex Beneke and Gene Krupa.

He held Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Music from Brigham Young University as well as a Masters degree in Librarianship from Emory University in Atlanta, Ga.

Holt presided over the public library system in Austin, Texas from 1967 to 1991. During his directorship, Austin’s budget for libraries grew tenfold resulting in the construction of a new central headquarters, more branch libraries, increased collections, progressive community outreach programs and a revised circulation system.

Shortly before his retirement, he created his own dance band, “Dancin’ with David.” He also composed marches and swing arrangements for jazz orchestras and military bands in Texas and Utah. His musical compositions and artifacts are housed at the University of North Texas Music Library. A catalogue of his works is listed on the library’s website as “The David Earl Holt Collection.”

Holt was an active member of the Austin Writer’s League, having written essays, short humor pieces and book reviews for local publications. His abiding interests were a love of books, telling jokes, watching football, playing the stock market, swimming, organic gardening and fishing.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Holt; daughters Helen L. Holt and Jane E. Holt; and son Steven E. Holt. His grandchildren include David Judson, Robert Hamer V, Lewis Hamer, Jonathan Hamer, Lily Holt and Cora Holt.

Memorial donations in his memory may be sent to: University of North Texas Music Library, 1155 Union Circle #305190, Denton TX 76203.


ROBERT DARYL BERRY		REA BALLARD RAGATZ

Reader Tributes

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of gvnews.com.

Pat Tuohy wrote on Mar 24, 2009 6:33 AM:

" David Earl Holt was a genial man who was kind to his staff at APL. As a very junior librarian right out of library school, I found Mr. Holt to be encouraging and approachable. He was patient with the young and impatient hot heads on his staff. I know, because I was one.

His passing is a loss to those who worked along side him to make Austin Public as good as it could be. He a good man and a caring librarian. David Earl will be missed. "

Valerie Anderson wrote on Mar 26, 2009 1:24 PM:

" I'll miss his jokes! Mr. Holt was always very supportive, calm, and reasonable. All of us at Austin Public Library owe him a big thank you for his leadership. I hope he was able to enjoy a lot of good music in his retirement. "

Beth Mann wrote on Apr 8, 2009 12:18 PM:

" As the only female security officer employed by APL back in 1978, I was summoned to Mr. Holts office! I was a bit intimidated as I had only been in my supervisory capacity for several weeks at this time. Imagine my relief when Mr. Holt wanted to know about my small daughter and assured me I had his support and that his door ''was always open". When he then asked "Do you make a garden"? I knew that my career at APL was off to a very positive start! He ALWAYS had a smile and took the time to ask about my daughter and my life! Years later when I remarried he and Beth were among the first at my wedding! God speed Mr. Holt! "

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