Holton Robert Harders

Holton R. Harders, 93, passed away August 06, 2025. Born in Wisconsin, as a young boy, Holton traveled the mid and deep south with his parents during the depression years. His father supervised construction jobs throughout the region. In 1944, nearing the end of World War II, the family settled in Florida where his father continued to travel to construction sites while he and his mother planted roots in the Panhandle, finding community among the civilian and active military workforce serving Tyndall Field. Holton grew up living and working among “The Greatest Generation”, where his commitment to service of his fellow man and his God was shaped and sharpened. This, in combination with entrepreneurial-minded and spiritually driven parents, led Holton to become a servant leader in business, civic life and the church. In business, Holton was President and CEO of his family owned and operated heavy marine construction company. He oversaw construction projects for the U.S. Navy; state docks and Port Authorities located in the southeast. His civic contributions were reflected by service on numerous and diverse Boards including, financial institutions, college boards, mission groups, church foundations, and youth organizations. He was a founding President of Anchorage Children’s Home, where he provided years of guidance and unfailing support to an organization that has grown into a pillar of the community serving at-risk children. Concurrently, and with motivation that is only found in a purpose driven life, Holton deeply loved his Lord and lived the Great Commission to go out and preach the Good News. Here, Holton was a founding member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Good Sheperd Lutheran Church where he served as President of both congregations several times. He was also wildly successful as a teenage Sunday School teacher and served as a counselor to the Lutheran Youth League, as well as singing baritone in the church choir. In retirement, Holton built or refurbished 50 braille presses for Lutheran Braille Workers, which he personally delivered or sent to facilities throughout the southeast. Throughout his life, relaxation took many forms for him, from spending time with his tools, creatively fixing or repairing broken things, designing a “Beach Buggy” which carried family and friends along miles of sand dunes and snow-white beaches, to playing all sorts of games, quite often pinochle, at the dinner table after eating. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed being outdoors camping, hunting or fishing, and he generously shared all of his talents and “tricks” for catching the big fish with those who joined him. Of course, so much of this would not have been possible without the seven decades of companionship with his wife, who he loved to the moon and back, and the gift of their marriage has been a hallmark in both of their lives. As a father of four, Holton faithfully and continually prayed for God’s countenance upon each of them and their families, as well as his six wonderful grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Always a man to offer comfort, he would often recite the saying, “That man is blessed, who does his best, and leaves the rest, and does not worry.” Holton lived this every day, and his kindness and gentle nature will be greatly missed, but always remembered. A service of Thanksgiving will be held on August 30, 2025 at 2:00 pm in the auditorium at Azalea Trace located at 10100 Hillview Drive, Pensacola, Florida 32514. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mercy Ships (mercyships.org), or Samaritan’s Purse (samaritanspurse.org). Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

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Holton Robert Harders

October 15, 1931 - August 6, 2025