Daniel "Dan" Holt, 86, of Abilene, KS, passed away Friday, November 17, 2023 at Chapman Valley Manor. He was born June 7, 1937, the son of Theodore R. and LaVeta (Marshall) Holt. He grew up on a farm at the edge of Hoyt, KS, raised sheep as 4-H projects, and briefly flirted with competing in rodeos.

Dan graduated from Hoyt High School in 1954. He earned his Bachelors Degree at Washburn University and his Masters Degree in history from Emporia State University. His main interest was military history, and his first published articles dealt with the army on the western frontier.

His life-long career in museum and archives work began at the Kansas State Historical Society. He later organized the Gen. Mark Clark Museum and Library at the Citadel in Charleston, SC. He was the first director of the National Frontier Trails Museum in Independence, MO, and was the director of the World War I Liberty Memorial, in Kansas City. For twenty years he was with the Illinois State History Library. In 1990 he became director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene. He felt he had the perfect job, surrounded by a multi-talented staff.

In retirement, Dan worked with the George C. Marshall Foundation in Lexington, VA, as managing editor for the foundation's project to publish the final two volumes of Marshall's public and private papers. Dan's publications included other edited volumes, histories of the Kansas Highway Patrol and KBI, and articles for history journals.

Dan was a devoted golfer, avid photographer, and excellent cook. He liked the challenge of learning new things; he succeeded in learning French but not in playing the bagpipes. He enjoyed traveling, both in the United States and Europe where his favorite place was France. He never tired of visiting Paris, wine regions, or the D-Day beaches of Normandy.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn of the home; son, Kyle Holt (Cindy) of Glenwood Springs, CO; daughter, Krista Holt of Longview, TX, and many nieces and nephews. Dan loved his family and cherished his friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and LaVeta Holt; sister, Marilou Ikaika and brother, James Holt.

Dan requested cremation. A memorial graveside service of inurnment will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at the Hoyt Cemetery. Mercer Funeral Home in Holton is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be given to the Eisenhower Presidential Library Foundation or Washburn University Alumni Association, or Hospice of Dickinson County c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.