Earl Holton, longtime Meijer president, dies at 90

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Earl Holton, the former president of Meijer, has died.

Holton, of Grand Rapids, died on Friday, May 10, at the age of 90, according to his obituary.

He was born in Manton on Jan. 23, 1934, and graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 1951.

Holton started from humble roots, working at a local Meijer supermarket in December 1952, one of just six stores at the time. As the company grew, Holton worked his way up the ladder and eventually became Meijer’s president from 1980 to 1999. He was also vice-chairman of the company’s board until 2004.

Hank Meijer, the executive chairman of Meijer, tells News 8 that Holton played a key role growing and developing the company.

“The impact Earl made on Meijer was only exceeded by the impact he made on this community, which he loved dearly and supported through numerous philanthropic initiatives,” Meijer said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Earl’s family during this difficult time.”

Grand Valley State University President Philomena Mantella said Holton holds a special place in their hearts.

“He has been a leader in this community in West Michigan for 40 years and been a leader at GVSU right alongside all of that through our campaigns, our building programs in Allendale and in Grand Rapids, as well as through increasing our support as a university through our leadership and our foundation,” Mantella told News 8 Tuesday.

Holton served on Grand Valley’s board of trustees and the Grand Valley University Foundation advisory cabinet. He also received an honorary doctorate degree in business administration.

According to the obituary, Holton leaves behind his wife, Donnalee Holton, four children, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a step-great-granddaughter. He and his wife Donnalee supported new centers on campus, scholarships and endowments. A new living and learning center was dedicated to Holton in 2016.

“It’s one of the places and spaces where students want to be,” Mantella said. “It is the future in many ways. Learning happens everywhere — inside the classroom, outside the classroom, when students gather, when students study. It’s an environment that promotes that connection and relationship building.”

According to his obituary, Holton was most proud of co-chairing the capital campaign that created Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Earl Holton, whose visionary support and leadership was instrumental in the foundation of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park,” the group wrote on Facebook. “The dedication of Earl and his beloved wife, Donnalee, to our community and their ongoing contributions leave an indelible mark on Meijer Gardens. Their legacy will continue to inspire and influence our work for years to come. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who were fortunate to know him. Earl’s spirit is forever part of the gardens he helped create alongside Fred and Lena Meijer.”

He also had a major impact on the medical field in West Michigan. He chaired the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Committee, bringing a team together in planning the new hospital that opened in 2011. He co-chaired the fundraising campaign for the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center. The Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion was also dedicated in his honor back in 2008.

“Together with his wife, Donnalee, they were a powerful team that had a positive influence on others. As a board member, he strongly supported growth in clinical care and helped set a solid foundation in Grand Rapids for who we are today,” Corewell Health wrote in an emailed statement.

“Earl was an inspiration to everyone who knew him…..Earl’s influence on our community’s prosperity, health and well-being will be felt for years to come,” the spokesperson added.

Mantella said Holton touched so many lives.

“It’s sort of halos of impact that a man with that kind of leadership brings to a community and brings to an institution,” Mantella said. “He was an incredible figure, an incredible leader. So you start with his own talent, his own time and ultimately his own treasure and inspiring treasure of others and time and talent from each of them.”

“Love him, gonna miss him and my heart and prayers are with the family,” Mantella added.

A visitation will be held on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that people donate to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation or Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center in his name.

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