William David Holden

William David Holden passed away peacefully and quietly at home on Monday, October 13, 2025.

He was born April 19, 1953, in Dallas, Texas. David served as an Army paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. After the military, he furthered his career as a Highway Patrol Officer for the Texas DPS for 26 years until his retirement. David came back home to Upshur County, and pursued his many interests and hobbies. David was initiated a Mason in the Sugar Lang Lodge No. 1141 in 2007. He joined the Bethesda Lodge No. 142 in Gilmer in 2007 as his home lodge, and was raised a Master Mason. In 2023, David also affiliated with ore City Lodge No. 1364. David enjoyed his Masonic journey, and during his time has served as Tiler, Marshall, Junior Warden, Senior Warden, and Past Master of Bethesda Lodge. He served as District Deputy Grand Master for Masonic District 10B in 2017. He went on to be awarded The Golden Trowel Award in 2020. In 2023, David became a plural member at Ore City Lodge, where he currently served as Junior Warden. David was also a member of the York Rite, where he was a part of the Chapter and Council, and a member in the Commandery. David was also a member of the Scottish Rite as a Shriner and member of the Sharon Shrine.

David was a good brother mason, and cared for all of his undertakings in the lodge, with his close friends and his family.

He is survived by his sister, Cathy Deatherage; brother, Mickey Swatsell; nephew, Jason Swatsell and wife, Angie; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Dave and Alma Holcomb and Bill and Jean Holden.

Graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Little Mound Cemetery, with Masonic Rites to follow.

"That virtue which may justly be denominated the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemasons heart - CHARITY. The practice of every moral and social virtue. Let me recommend to your most serious contemplation the Volume of the Sacred Law. By looking up to Him in every emergency for comfort and support. Ever remember that Nature hath implanted in your breast a sacred and indissoluble attachment towards that country whence you derived your birth and infant nurture. Let PRUDENCE direct you; TEMPERANCE chasten you; FORTITUDE support you, and JUSTICE be the guide in all your actions."