Robert Paul (Bedo) Holder, 79, of Waco and China Spring, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
Memorial Service: 3PM Wednesday, March 13th, at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel, 5201 Steinbeck Bend, Waco, TX 76708. CLICK HERE to view the Live Stream of the service
Paul was born July 5, 1944 in Waco, Texas to Fraser Clarence and Ida Eloise (McKamie) Holder. He was raised in South Waco on his momma’s famous hamburgers and grew up on the banks of Waco Creek. He graduated from Waco High School in 1962 before attending Baylor University, where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1966 and master’s degree in 1969. Baylor’s motto is Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana, and he really took the Pro Texana to heart.
Paul was a lover of all things Waco and all things Texas; he climbed it’s mountains and canoed it’s rivers. He taught government at McLennan Community College from 1969 to 2014. He visited all 50 states, made it to the highest point in 36, and hiked across the Grand Canyon. He loved his motorcycle, Baylor Athletics, and every animal he ever encountered. Above all, he was always a good daddy!
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fraser and Eloise Holder; Don Bynum, Don McMahan, and Gilbert Montemayor.
He is survived by his son, Jeff Holder and wife Chandra of Waco; Suezine Holder, Bevil Cohn, Garland and Mona Dunkin, Mickey and Cathy Collins, Vince Clark, countless other relatives, friends, and students, and his kitties.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Paul Holder Education Scholarship Fund c/o McLennan Community College or any animal shelter of your choice.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
I had him as a teacher at MCC. Loved his class. So sad to hear that we’ve lost him. He was one of the good guys.
Oh man, this is tough for me to handle! He was a giant of a man with the tenderest heart I have ever known. We lived a remarkable experience together during our high school years. I was not in a good place back then ( home life ). But, when he took a liking to me I thought WHY would he care? Because THAT was Paul. It was because of who he is. The memories of the times we were together will live in me forever until I also die. R.I.P. my friend! Prayers to his family and friends>
Paul was one of my favorite colleagues and a dear friend. Since our offices were next door I heard a lot of stories; I learned Texas history I never knew. I heard how much he loved “Lonesome Dove” and whatever music he was playing that day. I loved that he wore a jacket and tie on exam days. It was a joy to debate politics, what had happened in class, and laugh all the time. The world has lost a light and I will miss him so much. Much sympathy to his family and his friends.
I only knew Paul in passing, he was a kind and gentle man. I was a Spanish student of his wife Karen at Connally High School in 1970-71. Prayers and condolences to Karen, family and friends
Rachel and I send our condolences to Ms Karen and Jeff.
Mr. Holder was a Fantastic example of a Teacher who was and Is. His style brought enthusiasm to the subject and amazed me with his knowledge and passion while at Connally.
I am So Sorry that I only knew him as a Teacher.
Rest In Peace.
David and Rachel Carrizales
Jeff, I’m so sorry about your dad’s passing. Take comfort in knowing he is and always will be around you. As I too lost my dad almost a year ago and I can say mine is around all the time. your dad was a great man that I remember fondly from growing up with you from kindergarten and on. He left an impression on many others for many things and for me that was that he was a tall man, like my father, who I remember seeing at all of the sports growing up and he was always easy to spot. Prayers and big hugged to you and your family throughout this very difficult time and the many days following. 🙏🕊️
I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. He was such a great teacher and friend at MCC. Prayers for Paul and his family.
Jeff, I know how difficult it is to lose your dad. Please take some comfort in knowing he will always be with you in your heart.
I took Government from Mr. Holder at MCC in 1986 during MCC’s ROCKSTAR STAFF Days – Paul Holder, John Nobis, Doris Stevens, Joe Cagle, et al. He was a phenomenal teacher and he made the world a better place. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
He was my Govt instructor at MCC. He was so inspiring , so kind and so compasionate about his love for teaching. He always had a spark in his eyes. He is one if the reasons I attended Baylor. He is truly one if those people who touch your heart on our journey of life.
Peace and comfort to his family
Sic em Bears!!!!
Paul Holder was my longtime friend. We both majored in Political Science at Baylor, but we barely knew each other then. We renewed our friendship when I started teaching English and Public Speaking at McLennan Community College in 1989. I always knew that Paul was a supportive friend. We shared conversations about bluebonnets, Texas history, and just life. It grieves me deeply that he is gone, but I am happy for him–no more pain, no more suffering. Good-bye to the kindest smile, to one of the most genuine persons I have ever known. See you later, my friend!
Paul has actually been on my mind for the last few weeks, and I kept wanting to drive out and see you folks. I finally just drove by your place on Bend of the Bosque, today (April 21), and wondered if something had happened. I am so sorry to learn of his passing, and felt a bond with him, even though we were only neighbors for a very short time. I hope you are getting by ok, and know you are in our prayers.
Professor Holder was a fellow Rice 🦉 Owl. I loved his writing & he complimented my own. Actually never met the professor only had some wonderful banters back & forth about government, history, & nature. I wish I could have taken a class from the Professor as all who did simply loved him.
Prayers for the Rice Owl & Professor tonight. 😌♥️✝️🐶