David Charles Holding passed away peacefully at his home in Hominy, Okla., with his family by his side on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, at the age of 71.
David was born Nov. 14, 1952, in Enid, Okla. He was the son of Homer Holding, Jr. and Mary Rose (Coshehe) Holding. David is a member of the Osage Nation and is also Citizen Band Potawatomi. His Osage name is Mi-He-Theh, meaning Sun Down, given to him by his aunt Henrietta Mashunkashey. He comes from the Me-Xee (Sun Carrier) Clan.
David moved with his family to Nelagoney, Okla. At an early age (1.5 years) David lost his mother, he was then raised by his grandmother, Josephine Coshehe, until he was five years old. He then moved to Hominy where he attended kindergarten through eighth grade. David then attended Kemper Military School in Booneville, Missouri for four years, graduating in 1972. He also attended Haskell Indian School for one year. While he was at Kemper Military School and Haskell Indian School, he played football and was a standout player.
David was united in marriage to Marsha Lynn Fields on Jan. 20, 1975, in Pawhuska, Okla. David and Marsha made their home in Hominy where they raised their only daughter, January Rose Holding-Phetsacksith. They were married for 49 years.
David was a hard worker all his life. He helped his father on their family ranch with tasks such as building fences, hauling hay, and working cattle. He began working in the oil field on drilling rigs while still in high school. He continued working on drilling rigs after finishing his education. David started out as a floor hand, then derricks, then a driller and a tool pusher. David worked for Curt Brown Drilling, Brown Brothers Drilling and Amoy Drilling. David’s career allowed him to work throughout the state of Oklahoma. He retired from working on drilling rigs after 20 years. He then went to work for Falcon Field Service as a heavy equipment operator. He retired from there in 2018 after 24 years.
During his free time, David enjoyed watching OU Football, Hominy Buck Football, and the OKC Thunder. In his younger years, David enjoyed playing pool as well as spending time outdoors quail hunting. David enjoyed spending time with his wife, Marsha, playing at casinos and eating at different restaurants. David loved country and R&B music, some of his favorite artists included Bob Wills, Hank Williams, and especially Al Green. He was especially prideful of his lawn, ensuring it was always well taken care of. David also enjoyed grilling and cooking out for his family. David was a proud Husband, Father, and Grandfather.
David is survived by his wife Marsha (Fields) Holding; his daughter January and son-in-law Khamp Phetsacksith; grandson, Jamon; granddaughters, Jasmine, Jada Lynn, Jillian, and Julie; two brothers, Homer Joe (Patriz) Holding and Joseph “Sonny” (Ann) Abbott; special cousin, John Henry Mashunkashey. He is preceded in death by his parents, Homer Holding Jr. and Mary Rose (Coshehe) Holding; his stepmother, Francis (Oberly) Holding; his grandparents, John and Josephine Coshehe.
Services will be held Thursday, Oct. 3, at 9:30 a.m. at the home of David and Marsha Holding. Burial will follow in the AJ Powell Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Powell Funeral Home. A traditional Osage feast will follow the services in the Hominy Indian Village.
