Gerald Holt was community leader

DOWNEY - Gerald F. Holt, a veteran of World War II and longtime Downey resident, died in Santa Clarita on June 19 at age 87.Born Nov. 11, 1923 and raised in Bell, he entered the Army 8th Air Force as a young man. He served as a pilot of a B-17 bomber and successfully completed 35 missions between 1944-45. Following the war, he married Donna MacDonald, completed his education at UCLA and entered the banking profession. They settled in Downey and became active in the community as Holt rose to the position of president at Golden State Bank. He was involved in Kiwanis and the Boys Club, and served as a director of Downey Community Hospital. He retired as vice chairman of Sanwa Bank in the 1990's. The couple traveled extensively in retirement and lived in Laguna Hills, Chester and Temecula. A widower, he was living in Ladera Ranch prior to moving to Santa Clarita to live with his daughter in 2009. He was predeceased by his wife, Donna, and daughter, Karen. He is survived by his daughter Marsha (Randy) Gilpin of Saugus; Jeff (Leeann) Holt of Ladera Ranch; and six grandchildren. A memorial service will be held July 12 at 11 a.m. at Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Placentia.

********** Published: June 30, 2011 - Volume 11 - Issue 10