Glenn Holbrook

Glenn Edward Holbrook returned to his heavenly home on March 31, 2024. He was born on October 27, 1944, in Ola, Arkansas. His parents, Hattie George Holbrook and Rufus Holbrook, along with his older brother, Benjamin Holbrook, eventually settled in Derby, Kansas, where his father began working as an engineer for Boeing.
Graduating from Derby High School in 1962, Glenn’s passion for music led him to play trumpet in the Derby High School Dance Band, often performing at local events, including backing The Ames Brothers at a Boeing Aircraft function. After high school, he briefly attended Eldorado Junior College, working as a photographer for the local newspaper while continuing his trumpet performances. His sublime jazz trumpet tone and signature rendition of “Stardust” could melt hearts, especially the one belonging to Louise (Toni) Antoinette Bailey, whom he married on Valentine’s Day in 1964. Glenn and Toni welcomed their son, Perry, later that year, followed by their daughter, Susan, in 1967.
Glenn displayed a natural talent for mechanical work, beginning his career at Southwest Manufacturing in Wichita before moving to Cessna Aircraft as a jig builder. Over the years, he held various positions within the aircraft manufacturing industry, including roles in maintenance, tooling, research and development and quality control. He eventually rose to the position of Superintendent of Manufacturing Engineering. Despite facing financial challenges due to a family car accident in 1969, Glenn’s dedication to hard work never wavered and he amazed his co-workers with his ingenuity in problem solving. He could machine anything to exact specifications. He even secured a patent for a tooling ball adaptor he invented. In the 1980s, when he was in research and development, Cessna sent him to Sweden to tour and plan work with the ASEA Robot Plant.
Not content with just building airplanes, Glenn obtained his pilot’s license in the 1980s and flew with the Cessna flying club, sharing the joy of flight with family and friends. A few years before retirement, he and Toni relocated to Derby, where Glenn remained active in various hobbies, particularly ham radio. He created and sold ham radio antennas, naming his company “The Last Antler.” He also became an ordained minister, serving the elderly in Derby, conducting funerals and officiating at the weddings of his granddaughter and daughter.
Throughout their life together, Glenn remained devoted to Toni, always calling her “my girl.” He cared for her as her health declined. Their enduring love was an inspiration to all who knew them. In February of 2024, friends and family gathered with them to celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Glenn is survived by his wife, Louise Toni Holbrook of Derby, Kansas, son Perry Holbrook (Susan Rogers) of Atlanta, Georgia, daughter Susan Bird (Brian) of Wichita, Kansas, grandchildren Lee Holbrook, Valerie Vowles (Ashley), Rain Gray, Rachel Gray, Kelsey Bird, Savannah Cooper (Clay) and his great-grandchildren Tilly Cooper and Rowan Vowles. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on April 9, 2024, at Carlson & Kirby-Morris Funeral Home in Eldorado, Kansas, with memorial donations to the American Heart Association.

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