Dr. Kenneth Holladay

Funeral services for Dr. Kenneth Holladay, 89, Eudora, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Eudora Baptist Church in Eudora. Burial will follow in Eudora Cemetery, Eudora, KS.  The family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary – Eudora Chapel.  Kenneth passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024 at his home.

Kenneth Holladay (known as ‘Doc’ Holladay) knew beyond any doubt he wanted to be a doctor by the age of 5. He felt this was an inspiration that could’ve only come from God. He grew up in North Lawrence as an official “Sand Rat.” His father, Gilbert Holladay, worked at the Reuter Organ Company and helped him through college. He also expressed deep gratitude for his loving Uncle who supported him attending medical school. He often spoke of the importance of his Mom and Step Dad, Nora & Edwin Lyons  and his brothers Dean and Clay in creating a family of love and a strong religious faith. His strong faith in God remained constant throughout his life..

He started school at the age of 3 at the local one room Elementary White School. He later attended Woodlawn Elementary and eventually graduated in 1951 from Lawrence High School. He received his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Kansas. He worked hard throughout his life. As a child he sold Cloverine Salve, for which he received his first Kodak box camera and an inflatable football. He delivered milk products, picked potatoes for Kaw Valley area farmers, and manually set up bowling pins at the Paladium Bowling Alley . From high school through college, he worked at the Lawrence Dairy Queen. In 1954, he entered the University of Kansas Medical School.

One Sunday morning in 1953 at the First Baptist Church, he met Elisabeth, the only love of his life. They were engaged for two years while Ken finished medical school. During most of this engagement, they lived many states apart, writing hundreds of love letters along the way. After their marriage at the Danforth Chapel at KU in 1956, they lived in a tiny cramped trailer with their first son, David while he finished medical school.

Ken was in the U.S Air Force for two years as a physician at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. Before coming to his Eudora office in 1961, Eudora had had 12 doctors in the prior 15 years. He credited pharmacist Alf Oleson for encouraging him to open his medical practice office in Eudora. Later, he was fortunate to work closely with pharmacist Stan Byrne. He was proud to have delivered over 1,400 babies during his practice.

He was a past member of several organizations and churches including; Eudora School Board, Eudora Nursing Home and the Eudora Baptist Church.  He and Elisabeth loved  America’s National Parks and tent camping with their children. He retired in 2004 after 43 years of practice. He and Elisabeth began traveling around the world, visiting over 50 countries. He loved white-water rafting and made two paddle trips down the Grand Canyon with his sons and friends. He was a dedicated, loving father and grandfather-when he and Elisabeth were not on an adventure, they were visiting their children and grandchildren.

He treasured time with his family, caring for his patients, playing Scrabble, completing crossword puzzles and holding hands with his wife. Experiencing roller coasters, waterfalls and rainbows were also special moments in life. He did a lot of good in his life and made the world a better place. He will live on in the hearts of minds of those he left behind. He was a kind gentle soul that loved and cared deeply for his wife, children, grandchildren and a great grandchild, along with all his patients and the Eudora community. He is survived by his wife, Elisabeth, a native of Switzerland and four children: David, Kevin, Matthias, and Thais. He is also survived by his siblings, Donna, Dean, Christine, Clay and eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Memorial contributions may be made in Kenneth’s name to Eudora Parks and Recreation Foundation and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.