Kolbi Stites

Considered one of the best and most innovative guitarists of all time, Eddie Van Halen (born in Amsterdam, Netherlands to Jan van Halen and Eugenia (van Beers) van Halen) moved with his family (which included his older brother, Alex) to the US in 1962. Both Alex and Eddie began piano lessons, although Eddie later admitted he couldn't read music: He learned to play by watching and listening and often improvised, even in recitals. Alex moved on from piano to guitar and Eddie moved over to the drums but after hearing Alex play "Wipe Out," Eddie thought the guitar was more interesting - switching again! Alex and Eddie then formed their first band (with three other boys, Eddie was in the 4th grade) called "The Broken Combs" (if you were around in the '60s, your first thought may be men's long hair!) In 1972, they went on to form their first professional band, later named "Van Halen," that performed in and around Los Angeles. In 1977, they got their first contract with Warner Records and by the early 1980s, Van Halen became "one of the most successful rock acts of the time." Eddie also played in other venues and was the holder of three patents related to guitars. In 1981, he married actress Valerie Bertinelli and they had one son (Wolfgang). They officially divorced in 2007 and Eddie married his girlfriend, Janie Liszewski in 2009. Both Valerie and Wolfgang attended the ceremony. In 2000, Eddie received treatment for tongue cancer - which resulted in the loss of 1/3 of his tongue. Then, around 2014, he developed throat cancer. It eventually spread throughout his body and resulted in his passing 5+ years later. Speaking at an event at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in 2015, Eddie discussed his life and the American Dream, saying "We came here with approximately $50 and a piano, and we didn't speak the language. Now look where we are. If that's not the American dream, what is?"

Kamden McCarstle was born on December 2, 2003 in Austin, Texas United States. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Kamden McCarstle.

Kade McCarstle was born on July 19, 2001 in Austin, Texas United States. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Kade McCarstle.

Chloe Dyer was born on November 4, 1994 in Austin, Texas United States. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Chloe Dyer.

Tess Pamela Holder was born on October 28, 2014 in Kyle, Hays County, Texas United States. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Tess Pamela Holder.

Gage Ethan Holder was born on November 27, 2012 in Kyle, Hays County, Texas United States to Matthew Wayne Holder and Kolbi Stites, and has siblings Gavin Matthew Holder, Tess Pamela Holder, Chloe Dyer, Kade McCarstle, and Kamden McCarstle. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Gage Ethan Holder.

Gavin Matthew Holder was born on June 21, 2011 in Kyle, Hays County, Texas United States. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Gavin Matthew Holder.

FROM MATTHEW'S MOTHER: Kolbi Stites was never married to my son Matthew. They were not even common law. My son died homeless because he chose not to be with Kolbi. They had not lived together for many years The love of his later life was Tiffany and the love of his earlier life was Ladina Batt.

Matthew Wayne Holder was married to Kolbi Dawn Stites. Together for 12 years and raised 6 children together. Matthew is missed by his 7 children :Tyler Herrera, Chloe Dyer, Kade McCarstle, Kamden McCarstle, Gavin Holder, Gage Holder and Tess Holder. He loved being a father and husband to Kolbi.