John L. Holland

John L. Holland, 78, of Washington MO, passed away on January 21, 2026. John, son of the late William L. Holland and Grace L. Holland, was born on March 23, 1947, in Cape Girardeau, MO at St Francis Hospital. He received his education from Notre Dame High School (1962-1966) and received his bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University. John served his country as a non commissioned officer in the United States Army in the 27th transportation Battalion in Germany and later one year in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on May 22, 1971.

On October 24, 1992, he was united in marriage to Michelle M. Burns at St Vincent DePaul Church in Kansas City, MO.

John worked as a riverboat Pilot/Captain for most of his adult life navigating the Ohio, Tennessee and Mississippi River and several other inland waterways. He worked for several companies to include: Mays barge line, Marquette Transportation Company LLC, and retiring with Ingram Barge-Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals, Inc.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Michelle M. Holland, father: William L. Holland, mother: Grace L. Holland, brother: Mike Holland, sister: Agnes Ann, brother-in-law Ralph “Will” Goforth, nephew: Brian William Goforth.

Among his survivors are two sons: Christopher Joseph Holland and wife Jenny Jane, Washington, MO and Sean Michael Holland, Wisconsin, sister: Mary Goforth, brother: Bill Holland (Leisa), nephews: Steve Holland, James Robert O’Kelly, Phillip Wayne O’Kelly, Ryan William Goforth and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Nieburg-Vitt,Miller Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday at 2 p.m. at St Francis De-Sales Oratory 2653 Ohio Avenue, St Louis, MO 63118.

Interment will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the historic Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on the banks of the Mississippi, St Louis County, MO.

Arrangements in care of Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, Washington.

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