Karl Ray (Holdcraft) Holdcraft

Karl Ray Holdcraft, Senior, was born September 15, 1947, the fourth child of Bertha Juanita (Hoag) and Forrest Edward Holdcraft, Senior in OKC. He graduated from Haltom City High School in Haltom City, Texas in 1966. Then he enrolled at the University of Oklahoma in June 1966. Karl entered the U.S Navy in July 1967 and worked as an Aviation Maintenance Administrator 3rd class at Point Mugu. Coming back to Oklahoma, he re-enrolled at OU in September 1969 and graduated in 1973 with a BBA, double major in management and marketing.

In 1971 he met Judy Marie Migdat. Believing God brought Judy and himself together in His love, he married Judy the love of his life on May 18, 1974. They were blessed with 46 years of wedded life. Karl was always the calm and secure rock for Judy, his children and grandchildren. Their home was made in Bethany and then in El Reno. He and his family have attended Wesley United Methodist Church in El Reno since 1994.

They had three children and seven grandchildren. The grandchildren lovingly called him “Grandpa” because that is what he was proud to be. Karl always encouraged them to be “The best they could be.” Their children are Karl Holdcraft II, “Scott”, and grandchildren, Aubreanna, Karl III, “Sam”, and Melody; Mark, wife Nikki, grandchildren Julie and Seth; Karen, husband Terrell Ludwig, grandchildren Tenley and Karter.

Karl was employed by the Boy Scouts of America as a District Executive. He then worked for Lincoln St. Louis as a district manager and then later for other equipment companies.

Karl loved scouting as a young boy which led to him being active as a scout leader and later as a Scout Master. In his troop, Troop 64, eight boys achieved their Eagle Scout rank, including his two sons. He dedicated several years to leading his troops in numerous scouting activities and scout camps. Karl was also inducted into the Order of the Arrow as a young scout. Later as an adult he was honored to receive his Vigil membership.

Karl rejoined the scouting world in September 2016, as a committee member, to support his grandsons’ Seth and Sam, as well as to guide his son Mark becoming a Webelos leader and Assistant Scout Master.

Karl went on to Heaven the afternoon of September 14, 2020. He will be greatly missed, but his influence will be forever felt by his family and friends. Heaven gained a true spiritual patriot because Karl believed that Jesus Christ paid the price for all sin and all one needs to do is accept Jesus and ask for forgiveness of personal sin. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren, his sister Loretta Dubois of Haltom City, Texas, brother in law Joe Elder and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service to honor Karl's life will be held Wednesday September 23, 2020 at 1:00 PM in the Ingram,Smith & Turner Chapel. Memorials may be made to Russell Murray Hospice, 2001 Parkview Dr, El Reno.

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