Albert Holub

Albert James Holub, 77, of McDonald, died December 8, 2015. He was born September 27, 1938 to Albert James and Vera (Studer) Holub on his parent’s farm northwest of Beardsley, KS. He was second of twelve children. He worked hard along with his family, and this is where he developed his love of gardening. Al attended grade school in Beardsley KS and graduated from McDonald High School in McDonald, KS. He later received some college credits while serving in the military. After working various jobs in northwest Kansas, he went to California for a short time. Returning to Rawlins County at the age of 23, he joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country for 20 years.

While in the Air Force he served three years as an airlift/bombardment Aircraft Maintenance Technician and then as a Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Technician for 16 years. Al took his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX then attended Basic Aircraft Maintenance School in Wichita Falls, TX. He then went on to Donaldson AFB, SC and served two six month tours in Germany. While Stationed at Hunter AFB, GA Al deployed for three months to Guam. Following these assignments, Al served in Vietnam for a year and three months. During this time he was awarded the Air Force Accommodation Medal. After leaving Vietnam, he was stationed at Peterson AFB, Colorado Springs, CO. He then moved to Shepard AFB, Wichita Falls, TX where he served as a mechanic instructor. Iceland was next, where he worked on EC 121’s for a year, then Ft Smith AFB, MI where he worked on the B52. Overseas duty was next in Athens, Greece where he worked on EC 135 aircraft. His last assignment was at Loring AFB, Maine where he worked again on the B52. Albert J Holub, Tech Sergeant, Aircraft Mechanic was honorably discharged from the Air Force with many medals, honors, and badges on the 31st of March 1981. It was during his time in the military that he was lovingly called Big Al.

During his time in the military Al married Linda Smith and two children were born to this union: Cheryl Denean in 1964 and Alan James in 1965. He later married Edna Walton and to this union one child was born, Michelle Marie in 1971. Al loved his children and cared for them until the very end.

After Al’s discharge from the Air Force, he lived in Maine and Wellington, KS before returning to Rawlins County, KS. Over the years he worked for the Rawlins County Road Maintenance and as a cook at Big Ed’s in Bird City, KS. He and Big Ed developed a seasoning for the restaurant that brought people from all around to dine.

In 1993, Al married Vonita Faber. He accepted, treated, and loved her children as his own: Julie Williams, Matthew Wallsmith, and Jessica House.

Together, Al and Vonita opened their own restaurant in Brewster, KS and successfully ran the Big Al’s restaurant for 5 years. It was another very popular eating establishment, bringing people from everywhere to dine on Saturday nights.

Survivors include his three children, three step-children, three grandchildren, ten step-grandchildren, one great granddaughter and twelve step-great grandchildren. Five brothers: Bud Holub, Larry (Connie) Holub, Pete (Vicky) Holub, Ronnie (Marilyn) Holub, and Randy (Neva) Holub. Four sisters: Joyce Hale, Judy Mann, Maryjane (Gary) Howard, and Tammy (Carroll) Ginther. Al was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Margie McFee and her husband, Rodney and Patty Holub Lloyd; and Sister-in-law Sharon, wife of Bud.

Cremation was chosen and services will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Veterans of Foreign Wars, McDonald, KS in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Online condolences www.baalmannmortuary.com