Olen Bert Holland, 86, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, hard work, and deep love for his family.
Known to many simply as Bert, he lived a vibrant life dedicated to his country, his work and his family. He grew up locally and graduated from San Saba High School. Following graduation, he answered the call to service and joined the U.S. Marine Corps, an experience that instilled in him a lifelong passion for honoring veterans.
After completing his military commitment, he moved to Houston, Texas, and that is where he met the love of his life, Charlotte Ingram. The two were married on August 3, 1962, embarking on a beautiful journey of marriage and family together. Bert carried a strong work ethic into his career, spending many years working the rigorous shifts offshore for Brown & Root to provide for his loved ones.
He was a man who truly believed in serving others, which he showed through volunteering with San Saba EMS, giving over 50 years of dedicated service to the Masonic Lodge, and maintaining the China Creek Cemetery. It gave him great joy to place the American Flag on the Veterans markers on federal holidays. He brought that same passion for cultivation to his own backyard, where he spent countless peaceful hours gardening.
He loved to watch a good football game and took great pleasure in following his grandchildren and their sporting activities. He was always a part of the action. His cheers, support, and pride will be deeply missed by his family.
Bert is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Charlotte Ingram Holland; his three daughters: Susan Koenig (Marcus), Dana Beckwith (Mark), and Christie Everett.
His cherished grandchildren: Dustin Lewis (Sammi), Colt Broyles (Callie), Amber Everett (Billy), Lacy Hardman, Lauren Covington (Jacob), Samantha Reed (Jared), and Don Paul Everett (Layla); his great-grandchildren: Ethan and Chassidy Gonzales, Skylar Lewis-Sealy (Chris), Paige Lewis, Morgan, Rayleigh and Layton Hardman, Georgia, Carolina and Dedmon Broyles, Peyton Blake, Chandler Covington and Evie Kate Everett; sisters-in-law: Kim Holland and Jody Hackathorn (Dan); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mark and Bertha Holland; his father and mother-in-law, Carl and Helen Ingram; three brothers: Taylor, Oscar and Warren Holland; three sisters-in-law: Donna Holland, Billie Holland and Sharon White; two brothers-in-law, Larry Ingram and Monroe White; son-in-law, Stuart Beckwith; and one grandson, James Parker Everett.
A visitation for Bert will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Blaylock Funeral Home in San Saba. A graveside service will take place 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 25, 2026, at China Creek Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home in San Saba.
Pallbearers: Dustin Lewis, Colt Broyles, Don Paul Everett, Ethan Gonzales, Billy Gonzales, Jared Reed and Chris Sealy.
Honorary Pallbearers: Randy Holland, Steven Bert Holland, Wesley Holland, Jacob Covington, and Roger McGehee.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the China Creek Cemetery Association: P.O. Box 84, San Saba, TX 76877.
Online condolences can be made at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com.