Edward Russel Holt, 76, a lifelong resident of Big Rapids passed away Monday, May 15, 2023, at Corewell Health Big Rapids Hospital.

He was born March 26, 1947; the first-born son of Benjamin R. and Wilma Jean (VanWestrienen) Holt. On November 2, 1980, Edward married Susan Lee Bailey and raised their daughter Angel Ila (Holt) Reidinger. Together their family were members of Third Avenue United Methodist Church.

He worked for a few years at Mecosta County Road Commission before he was drafted into the United States Army in 1967. Edward served in Vietnam as a semi-truck driver until he was honorably discharged in 1969. He returned to Big Rapids and established his own excavating company; Holt Excavating. This was his passion, owning and operating heavy equipment. In his later years, he drove semi-truck cross country for many years. Edward loved to cook, which he was able to do for the Third Avenue United Methodist Church Saturday luncheons for the community. He was a man of great passion for helping others and giving all that he could to support those in need.

In his spare time, he enjoyed going camping, fishing and deer hunting. Edward loved his baseball, especially the Detroit Tigers. He also looked forward to having his family cookouts and pig roasts.

Edward was preceded in death by his wife Susan, his father and mother-in-law Walter and Ila Bailey, his parents Benjamin and Wilma Holt, brother Benjamin, and sister Carol Lynn.

Surviving are his children, Angel (Josh) Reidinger, Roan (Paula) Huson, and Rhonda (Gerald) Donley; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; seven siblings, Carlton (Joyce) Holt, Janet (Ken) Liefbroer, Catherine (Bill) Dewing, William (Sadie) Holt, David (Kristin) Holt, Jill (Gustavo) Hennessey, and Glen Holt; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Memorial Service will take place 4:00 p.m. Friday, May 19, 2023 at Big Rapids First United Methodist Church with Reverend Jeremy Wicks officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service on Friday at Church. Edward will be laid to rest next to his wife Susan at Pine Plains Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Third Avenue United Methodist Church, 226 N 3rd Ave., Big Rapids, MI 49307.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids.

Share a memory, photo, and leave a condolence for the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Memorial Service Friday, May 19, 2023 4:00 PM Big Rapids First United Methodist Church 304 Elm Street Big Rapids,MI 49307 Visitation Friday, May 19, 2023 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Big Rapids First United Methodist Church 304 Elm Street Big Rapids,MI 49307