Lieutenant Colonel Mark Henry Holt (Ret.) passed away unexpectedly at his residence in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the age of 68. A proud American, devoted father and grandfather, accomplished businessman, and distinguished Army officer, his life was characterized by dedicated service to his nation, family, and community.

A lifelong resident of Tulsa, Mark attended Marquette Catholic School and graduated from Bishop Kelley High School before earning his bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Oklahoma State University.

He dedicated 23 years of his life to the United States Army, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His military service included roles as an Artillery officer in the 1st Infantry Division and a Civil Affairs officer in the 350th CA Brigade, where he led soldiers and supported critical missions worldwide. His deployments included support for Operation Desert Storm, Operation Provide Comfort in Northern Iraq, the Balkans conflict as part of NATO's IFOR, and numerous deployments across Latin America and Germany. A skilled linguist fluent in German, Spanish, and English, Mark frequently utilized his language skills in support of military operations and civilian pursuits. At times, he even undertook crash courses in Serbo-Croat and Arabic via tapes and books to enhance his Civil Affairs roles in working with governments and foreign militaries. Mark regarded military service not merely as a profession but as a calling and remained profoundly proud of his service and the soldiers he commanded.

Continuing a family tradition, Mark took over his father's commercial painting enterprise, Holt Painting, and later established and managed Mark Holt Painting, leading it with the same integrity, discipline, and dedication that had marked his military career. This business, initiated by his grandfather, Henry Holt, in the 1920s, represents a third-generation family enterprise.

To those who knew him best, Mark was a natural storyteller, a history enthusiast, and a proud veteran, eager to share memories of his military service. His grandchildren, in particular, cherished hearing his Army stories and learning about his travels and encounters during his service. They also shared in his lifelong passion for Star Wars, Star Trek, and science fiction, pursuits that brought him considerable joy alongside recounting his military experiences.

Though his passing was unforeseen, his family finds solace in the thought that he has reunited in heaven with his parents, Jack and Frances Holt.

He is survived by his children: Sean Holt and wife Sara Holt of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Eric Holt and wife Alyssa Holt of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Commander Marissa Hesse and husband Commander Tanner Hesse of Bremerton, Washington. He was a proud grandfather to Marie Holt, Cecilia Hesse, Clara Hesse, Connor Holt, Charlotte Hesse, Cordelia Hesse, and Bailey Holt, all of whom brought him immense happiness. Additionally, he is survived by his three sisters, Dana Strauss (Thomas Hartmann, husband) of Orlando, Florida; Dr. Carol Holt (Tom Wyper, husband) of Orange, California; and Lynne Hartmann (Thomas Hartmann, husband) of Melbourne Beach, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Frances Holt.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Tulsa. A private military honors burial will occur on June 18 at Fort Gibson National Cemetery.

Lieutenant Colonel Holt's legacy encompasses dedicated service, leadership, patriotism, family devotion, and a steadfast commitment to duty. His life exemplifies principles of duty, honor, and service to something greater than oneself. He will be profoundly missed and forever cherished by all who knew him.

Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151