Leo Robert Holloway

Leo Robert Holloway, a beloved husband, father, Papa and great grandfather passed away on January 24, 2026, at the age of 90.

There will be a time of visitation with the family on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street, Abilene, Texas.  Funeral service will be on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in the Piersall Funeral Directors chapel with Bob Shipley officiating. Burial to follow at the Buffalo Gap Cemetery.

Leo was born on June 4, 1935, in the small town of Buffalo Gap, Texas, to Raymond and Cora Holloway. He graduated from Wylie High School in 1953. Leo’s passion through life was his love of the land and farming and ranching. He began his career at a very young age, producing wheat and cotton and raising angus cattle. He was active in 4-H and showed steers at all the major stock shows across Texas. Leo purchased his first farm with winnings from his show cattle. He served on various boards throughout his career including the Texas Farm Bureau and Soil Conservation board. In 2002, he received an award for “Outstanding Farm Family” from the Texas Cooperative Extension. In 2009, he was awarded Outstanding Conservation Farmer by Middle Clear Fork Soil & Water. In 2013, he won the Agriculture Cooperative of the Year from Texas A&M Agrilife Extension. He was also listed as an Honorary Chapter Farmer in the Nationwide Register of Who’s Who of Executives and Businesses in 2000.

In addition to his farming activities, he worked 35 years in the engineering department of the Texas Highway Department before his retirement in 1993. During his Highway Department tenure, he served as Director of the Texas Public Employees Association Zone1. He served 15 years on the Wylie Independent School District Board in several roles including Secretary and Vice President.

Despite his busy life, Leo was very proud to serve his country from 1958 – 1964 in the Army Reserves.

Leo was a faithful member of the Wylie Church of Christ. His faith was foremost in his daily life. He truly loved the people of the Abilene Big Country and often said he would never live anywhere else. Despite pleas from multiple family members, he was true to his word! He was blessed with an outgoing personality and never met a stranger. Some of his biggest joys were driving the rural country roads, taking in the beautiful West Texas landscape and drinking coffee with friends. Leo had a generous heart and love of his fellow man and our wonderful country.

Leo and Avenell Moore, the love of his life, eloped and were married on December 27, 1958, then spent the next 64 years together until her death on August 29, 2023. They created a loving home filled with warmth, laughter and a very strong work ethic along with tremendous emphasis on raising a family grounded in spiritual values. Leo was a loving father to his three daughters, Papa to his six grandchildren and three great grandchildren with a fourth on the way. Leo loved all his extended family of siblings, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Leo was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Avenell, and his parents Raymond and Cora Holloway. He is survived by daughters Glenda Moore and husband Michael; Karla Warren and husband Johnny; Susan Bryan and husband Larry; his grandchildren Maggie Marquez, her husband Alexis and daughter Lucy Avenell; Molly Bostian and husband Josh; Lacey Warren, Allison Allen and husband Daylan; Tyler Bryan, his wife Jennifer and their two daughters Millicent and Avalynn; Abbey Stokes (expecting in July) and husband Andrew; brothers Paul Holloway, Wilburn Holloway, sisters Jane Ibbetson, Kay Holland, Judy Christiansen, Brenda Caton, Cindy Stillahn and a host of extended family and loving friends.

We are immensely grateful to his care giver Olivia for going above and beyond during his final weeks.

Pall bearers are Tyler Bryan, Andrew Stokes, Daylan Allen, Alexis Marquez, Josh Bostian and Pete Wheeler.

Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com

Memorials may be sent to Wylie Church of Christ, 6090 Buffalo Gap Rd, Abilene, Texas 79606 or the organization of your choice.