Earle Francis Holt

Earle is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marianne Dudrear, his children, David (Barbara) Holt, Judy Carter, Nancy (Randy) Hecht & son-in-law Michael Schantin, his grandchildren Jack Holt, Katie, Hayley & Matt Carter, and Jessica & Jamie Hecht, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his daughter Susan Schantin; parents Francis Holt and Hazel Rowe; step mother Meredith McAdoo; twin brother Merle Holt; sisters Gladys Good & Helen Pugliese; half-brother Harold Holt and son-in-law Mark Carter.

Earle was born on 2/2/22, two minutes before his identical twin brother Merle. He graduated from Indiana High School in 1939 and attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania. During College, he was a member of the National Honor Fraternity Phi Sigma Pi, the Honorary Art Fraternity Delta Phi Delta, the boxing team and the swim team. He graduated with a BS in Art Education in 1947 before moving to California to attend graduate school at the California College of Arts & Crafts. In 1949 he earned a Masters of Fine Art from CCAC.

In July 1942 he enlisted in the Marines. After WWII, he remained in the reserves and returned to active duty during the Korean War from 1950-1955. Earle’s last assignment was as public relations officer for the Marines in the 11 Western states and, while in the service, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Law School in Newport, R.I. serving as trial counsel and defense counsel in San Francisco. He retired from the Marine Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1965.

In 1955 Earle founded Earle Holt Art/Photography in Oakland, CA. As his business grew, he changed the name to Holt Graphic Arts, Inc. He served as the president of The California College of Arts and Crafts Alumni Association and was a member of the college’s board of trustees. He also served as the president of the Professional Photographers of San Francisco, Inc. for seven years. He was an accomplished photographer and was honored to have the opportunity to photograph many celebrities.

Earle was a charming man with a strong work ethic and a positive outlook on life. He was proud, determined and very disciplined. He had a lifetime love of barbershop music and belonged to many quartets and choruses over the years. He enjoyed competing as well as just getting together to harmonize or woodshed with his barbershop friends. He also loved traveling with friends to Dixieland concerts and Ragtime Festivals. Earle and Marianne travelled extensively throughout the world, securing items for his extraordinary military collection. In his later years, he loved to go on large cruise ships to practice his foreign language skills with the people on board. Earle’s greatest joy was spending time with his family.