Capt. Robert E. Holton

April 8, 1941 - January 29, 1969

Captain Robert E. Holton, MIA from the Vietnam War is coming home after being Missing in Action for over 48 years. Bob's F4 mission over Laos was hit by enemy fire on January 29,1969. He was listed as MIA until his remains were found in June, 2017. Bob had a distinguished military career in the Air Force. His medals include, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Air Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, Air Force Longevity Service Award with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Bob was born April 8th, 1941 to his wonderful parents, Ed and Norma Holton. Three years later he welcomed his brother, Bill on the same day. Bob and Bill had a wonderful childhood. The family home was across the street from Emerson Grade School, and was a favorite meeting place for all the neighborhood kids. His family enjoyed many years of camping and boating, finally settling on their favorite place in the Georgetown Boat Club. They spent many years boating water skiing and loved their summers there. Bob always worked from the time he was young. He worked for Bernie's Pharmacy and F&S Construction before college. Bob went to Emerson Grade School, graduated from Butte High in 1959. He then graduated from the University of Montana in 1965, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and the Air Force ROTC program. Bob married the former Dianne Eck in June, 1966. He entered the Air Force, and they were stationed in Arizona, then Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Bob and Dianne loved their short time together, and made many life long friends. Bob's greatest love was his family and friends. He loved flying; but his biggest passion was music. He could play almost any instrument, but especially loved piano, saxophone and clarinet. He was in a dance band in high school, and then played in various places while he went to the University of Montana. If Bob wanted to relax he went to his piano. Since Bob's death, he has been joined by his father and mother, Ed & Norma Holton, grandparents, Dick and May Harry, Les and Gwen Holton, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Les and Irene Eck Uncles and Aunts, Jack Harry, Al and Ruth Holton and Bill and Nonie Holton. Bob is survived by his former wife, Dianne (Roy) Moody, Brother, Bill (Judy) Holton, Nephew, Todd (Karen) Holton and their daughters, Ashley and Taylor Holton, Aunt, Mitzi Lacey, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dave Eck Dennis (Gretchen) Eck, Dwight (Pam) Eck and several cousins and nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the Air Force, National League of POW/MIA Families, and our Government for all their years of searching for Bob. We know they will keep trying to find all our missing men, and we are praying everyone has the closure they deserve. We would also like to thank Ed Conway, USAF and Wayrynen's for their compassion and guidance in these final steps. A special thank you goes to the USAF honor guard, Montana and Idaho Patriot Riders and other groups including the Butte America Legion Post and the United Veterans Council for their honoring Bob in his final travels. Memorials may be sent to: National League of POW/MIA Families, 5673 Columbia Pike, Suite l-00, Falls Church, VA 22041. Dad, you promised Mom you would bring Bob home. He is home now, rest in Peace. Love you forever.