Michael Holman

(From Cantlon-Otterness and Viets Funeral Home)

Michael Lee Holman, age 69, of Buffalo, MO, passed away on October 9, 2024 surrounded by family and loved ones. 

Born on October 15, 1954 in St. Louis, MO, Michael was the beloved only child of Roger Holman and Wanda "Fanny" (Rice) Eddington.

Michael grew up in St. Louis, MO until 15 years of age, from which he moved to and graduated high school from Buffalo, MO. Michael played football and baseball, secured a baseball scholarship, and went on to attend Crowder College in Neosho, MO. 

During his time in St. Louis as a kid, he spent many hours at St. Louis Cardinals baseball camps and building himself as a multi-sport athlete. He experienced his lifelong dream: getting to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1976.

Michael was united in marriage to Penny Shoemaker in 1977. From this union, he brought his three beautiful daughters into this world, Melissa, Krista, and Michelle, who brought immense joy to his life.
Michael was a hard worker and loved the connections he built during his time in the workforce. He was employed at Chapman's Furniture for 8 years, MFA Tire & Oil for 7 years, Aaron's Automotive for 16 years, and milked cows for Tim Brownfield and Danny Rice for many years. He ended his employment at an earlier age due to a rare lung disease he persisted through until he passed.

Michael was an avid baseball fan for all of his life, proudly supporting the St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed playing and watching sports of all kinds, and sharing in that passion with friends and family. He spent his free time cracking jokes, playing cards, calling loved ones, hunting, fishing with his buddy Jerry, camping, golfing, playing on the diamond, and loving on his grandbabies. 

Michael had a deep love for Jesus Christ and his Christian faith. He was baptized on August 2, 2020 at Cherry Grove Baptist Church in Tunas, MO, at which he was a proud member and engaged in weekly fellowship.

Michael leaves behind his three daughters, Melissa and Sham Duskin of Buffalo, MO; Krista Holman of Buffalo, MO; and Michelle and Joe Marheine of Ozark, MO; eight beautiful grandchildren, Taylor Holman, Paige Holman, Allissa Huber, Shelby Woods, Sarah Duskin, Bethanie Duskin, and Gabe Marheine; and one great-greatson Atlas; his aunt Judy Long; uncles Danny Rice and Frank Rice, many cousins and dear friends. 

He was preceded in death by his father Roger Holman, mother Wanda "Fanny" (Rice) Eddington, maternal grandparents Otto Sr. and Dovie Rice and paternal grandparents Ray and Josephine Holman.
Michael will be remembered for his love for Christ, determination, never-ending sense of humor, playful spirit, and the impact he had on those around him. His family and friends will hold on to his light-hearted jokes, wise advice, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Michael will be greatly missed but will live on in the hearts and baseball fields of all who knew and loved him.