Howard Eugene Holden

Howard Eugene Holden passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, in Zionsville, Indiana.

Howard was born in Lakewood, Ohio on March 24, 1941, to Elisha Holden and Helen Holden. He is survived by his wife, Susan (Moore) Holden; son John (Anna) Holden; cherished grandchildren Elizabeth, Abby, and Henry; his sister Doris (Thomas) Hites; and John’s mother Reta (Clemans) Holden. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Eloise (Richard) Myers.

Howard grew up in Brooklyn, Ohio. He excelled in chemistry, and after graduating from high school, earned a B.S. and M.S. in chemistry from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He published a master’s thesis “The Preparation of 4-amino-6-carbomethoxyflavone.” He pursued additional studies in organic chemistry at The University of Michigan and began his professional career as an organic chemist at Eil Lilly and Co. He earned an M.B.A. from Butler University in 1972, and spent much of his career in business roles at Eli Lilly until his retirement in the mid-2000’s.

Howard had many interests and hobbies that reflected a vibrant spirit. He had a passion for automobiles. Through the 1980s and 1990s, he spent much of his free time restoring and showing a green 1953 MG TD convertible. For many years he was an active member of the MG club the Olde Octagons of Indiana. He enjoyed playing recreational tennis. He was an avid Colts fan and insisted on staying until the very end of the game, even in the pre-Payton Manning era. He enjoyed teasing his granddaughter about rooting for “Taylor’s boyfriend “and the Chiefs.

After retirement, Howard enjoyed volunteering with his friends as part of the “chain gang” at Butler University football games where he marked first downs and measured distances on the field. He was a long-time, dedicated member of the Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity’s “Tiger Team,” that helped volunteers build homes for members of the Indianapolis community.

Howard’s son John and his three grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was a hide-and-seek master and grew sunflowers so tall he had to lift his grandchildren over his head to touch their blooms. He grilled the annual Thanksgiving turkey and was a frequent spectator at his grandson’s little league games.

A celebration of life honoring Howard will be held on Friday, June 26, at Zionsville Christian Church located at 120 North 9th Street, Zionsville, Indiana. Friends and family are welcome beginning at 10:00 a.m. with services commencing at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity.