Henry "Carl" Holley

Henry “Carl” Holley

November 28, 1932 – February 19, 2026 (Age 93)

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye—for now—to our beloved father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and dear friend, Henry “Carl” Holley. Carl called Taylor home, with the water tower in his backyard, until recently when he peacefully passed in his sleep of natural causes at the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home. On Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the age of 93, he was welcomed home by his Heavenly Father and reunited with loved ones who had gone before him.

Carl was born November 28, 1932, in Ogden to John Amos Holley and Eliza Edith (Rich) Holley. He was raised in Slaterville, where he learned the value of hard work on the family farm. As one of eleven children, he was deeply loved by his siblings. He became a natural peacemaker, though he was also known as quite the tease. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Carl loved the Lord and often expressed gratitude for how good God had been to him. He recognized God’s hand in the beauty of nature and in the remarkable people who blessed his life.

In 1955, Carl married Dawn Clark and soon entered the Army. Together they had four children: Wendie Holley (deceased), Craig (Brenda, deceased) Holley, Chad (Kristi) Holley, and Dawn Marie Holley (deceased). Carl and Dawn were later divorced. Carl later met the love of his life, Sherry Lou Kley. They were married on December 1, 1967, and were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Ogden Temple. Together they welcomed two children: Sandee (Bruce) Marchant and Brad (Candi) Holley, including Todd Velis that he was like a father to. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Jon (Racheal) Holley, Jared (Carmen) Holley, Holley (Logan) George, and Tate (Haley) Marchant, along with 14 treasured great-grandchildren.

If you knew Carl, you quickly learned that family was his greatest joy. He was happiest when he and Sherry gathered their children, grandchildren, and loved ones together—cooking hot dogs and marshmallows around the fire pit, spending time at the cabin or barn, snowmobiling, riding horses, four-wheeling, swimming in the pool, building snowmen, taking Mesquite and ponderosa trips, visiting and napping on his beautiful patio, or going on long - wandering drives while listening to his favorite classic country music. The more, the merrier—everyone was always welcome.

Before retirement, Carl and Sherry purchased a home in Mesquite, where they perfected the art of snowbirding for nearly 30 years. It became the Holley family’s second home and the setting for countless cherished memories.

Carl’s entrepreneurial spirit opened many doors in business and life. In 1961, he founded Holley’s Service just off Wilson Lane. Later, the station moved north, where it continues to operate today. Carl and Sherry also established Holley’s Drive Inn next door—a place where many hamburgers were served and plenty of stories (and “BS-ing”) were shared. They worked side by side, with all of their children involved in one way or another. Carl continued going to “work” as recently as last summer. He loved people deeply and built lasting friendships throughout his 90-plus years.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sherry; his parents; his in-laws; two brothers; seven sisters; two daughters; one daughter-in-law; many extended family members and friends; and his loyal four-legged companion, Budkis. While we mourn his passing, we rejoice in knowing the joyful reunion that greeted him as he passed through that final door.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary staff at the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home in Ogden. There are too many to name, but each team member and resident who cared for and loved Carl unconditionally became part of his final journey. Thanks to Alisha from Inspiration for her kindness and support.

Viewings will be held Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m., and Thursday from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at the church prior to the funeral. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Ogden West Stake Center, 2200 South 4300 West, Taylor, Utah.

Interment will follow at the West Haven City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the George E. Wahlen VA

https://www.va.gov/salt-lake-city-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/