Earl Dean Holtsclaw, age 95, of Dixon, was born on May 14, 1930, in Pulaski County, Missouri, a son of Marshall Guy and Flossie Bell (Smith) Holtsclaw, and passed from this life on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Missouri Orthopedic Institute in Columbia.

Mr. Holtsclaw was united in marriage on August 8, 1954, in Scott City, Kansas, to Miss Joyce Marie Sager, and to this union two children were born. He was preceded in death by his wife on May 24, 1998; his son, Terry Dean Holtsclaw, on June 4, 2015; his father on December 19, 1975; his mother on July 12, 1972; his brother, Richard Holtsclaw, on May 4, 2022; and two sisters, Ruby Sankins on May 28, 2020, and Guilda Holtsclaw on April 5, 2013.

Mr. Holtsclaw was a United States Navy veteran, serving his country from May 18, 1948, until his honorable discharge at the rank of Seaman Apprentice on June 23, 1949. After returning from his military service, he moved to Kansas, where he worked in well drilling. Upon returning to Dixon, he worked at Fort Leonard Wood as a civil service employee, was a truck driver, and served as the night marshal in Dixon. He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior early in life and had recently rededicated his life to the Lord. He enjoyed working on old tractors and trucks, fishing, gardening, and woodworking.

Those left to mourn the passing of Earl include: his daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Charles "Chuck" Sears of Mexico; daughter-in-law, Natalie Holtsclaw of Dixon; grandchildren, William "Will" and Emily Holtsclaw of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Joseph " Joe" and Kelsey Holtsclaw of Boonville, Jason and Jennifer Sears of Green Ridge, and Stacey and Jeff Bruns of Mexico; great-grandchildren, Savanna, Brooke, Kristina, Luke, Mackenzie, Jason Aaron, and Hannah Sears, Tayla Bruns, Dylan Bruns, Allie Holtsclaw, Avery Holtsclaw, Cooper Holtsclaw, and Wrenlee Holtsclaw; as well as nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Kenner Church near Dixon with Pastor Beverly Sharp officiating.

Interment with full military honors will be in the Pisgah Cemetery near Dixon, under the direction of Martin-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Dixon.

Memorial contributions are suggested per the wishes of the family, with envelopes available at the church or in care of Martin-Kloeppel Funeral Home, P.O. Box GG, Dixon, MO 65459.