John Holbrook 1935 - 2023 Renfro Valley, Kentucky

Official Obituary of
John Holbrook
June 12, 1935 ~ November 21, 2023 (age 88)
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John Holbrook Obituary
John Holbrook, 88 of Renfro Valley, KY passed from this life to heaven on Tuesday, November 21st, 2023, at home with his son holding him as he took his last breath.

He was born in Colson, KY in Letcher County on June the 12th 1935. The son of May Crawford Holbrook & Ben Holbrook. John moved to Brodhead, Ky, Rockcastle County, in February 1944 with his family. He spent a many hard days as a child and adult farming and raising cattle. His father Ben turned the family farm over to him at just 15 years old and his brother Jesse was just 12 years old. He was a Christian and lifelong member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church since 1944. He became a Deacon on April 4th, 1971. He was also the song leader and Sunday school teacher for many years. He attended Berea College and received a BS in Agriculture. Then went on to serve his country in the Army. He was a schoolteacher at Buffalo school. He married Faye Abney in 1962. Attended the University of Kentucky and received a master’s degree in social work. John loved his family and community. He was a 30-year employee at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Mt. Vernon as well as a Rockcastle County Educator. He served as a magistrate for many years, played Santa for over 40 years and was a Kentucky Colonel. John loved raising flowers, telling jokes, carving, and giving away keychains. He loved and was proud of his family. He enjoyed being a grandpa most of all. He lived his life serving God and thanking Jesus for all his blessings. John was a loving husband, wonderful dad, and beloved grandpa.

He is survived by his wife Faye Abney Holbrook; his son, Anthony Holbrook from High Point, NC; his daughter, Cynthia Holbrook from Renfro Valley, KY; granddaughter, Whitley Holbrook and husband Spencer Forney from Greensboro, NC; Grandson, Ethan Holbrook and wife Marion Josey from Bardstown, KY; sister, Frances Johnson from Louisville, KY; brother, Jesse Holbrook and wife, Barbara Sue from Nicholasville, KY; He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Captain Calloway Holbrook; Father, Ben Holbrook; brothers, Paul Holbrook and Don Holbrook; Mother, May Crawford Holbrook; sisters, Katherine Hoffman, Louise Polly, Ruth Ford, and Margaret Penney.

John Holbrook lived to be the oldest male of the Holbrook family’s recorded history for the last 350 years.

Visitation for John Holbrook will be Saturday, November 25, 2023, from 11-1pm at the Marvin E. Owens Home for Funerals with funeral services following at 1PM with Bros. James Poynter and Nathan DeLeon officiating. A burial with military rites by Rockcastle Honor Guard will follow in Oakhill Cemetery. Expression of sympathy in John’s memory may be made to the Gideons. Condolences to the family may be made at www.marvineowensfuneralhome.com

Services
VISITATION
Saturday
November 25, 2023
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Marvin E. Owens Home for Funerals
148 West Main Street
Brodhead, KY 40409