David C Hollowell's Obituary
David Hollowell Obituary Nov 11, 1924--August 12, 2017
David C Hollowell, long time resident of Imperial Beach,CA died August 121n Tucson ,AZ,
after a short illness caused by a series of strokes. He was the youngest son of Cooper and Ida
Jordan Hollowell. David was born in Ancon, Panama Canal Zone on November 11, 1924. His
parents and grandparents went to Panama to work on canal construction and stayed to work on
canal operations.
David graduated from Cristobal High School and worked briefly as a canal electrician. In
1944 he joined the U.S.Navy as a seaman and was assigned to Naval Station Coco Solo,
Canal Zone. He would join the Naval Air section and work his way up the ranks. During his 30
years of service he participated in three wars: WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. He traveled the world
helping to maintain a variety of aircraft. He retired in 1973 as a highly decorated Lieutenant at
North Island Naval Station.
He met and married Thelma Cronin in San Jose in1952. They remained a happy and busy
couple building a home for themselves in Imperial Beach. They had no children of their own but
were involved with their extended family always offering a helping hand, and liked for his great
sense of humor.He enjoyed working in his workshop repairing almost anything.
After retirement in 1973 David finished his education at Southwest College and received a
BS in Business from San Diego State University. He then went to work for the CA State Tax
Franchise Board.
After the death of his wife, David became very involved in the Masonic community joining
Claude Morrison Masonic Lodge# 747 in San Diego. In all he was a member and officer in 11
Masonic bodies, enjoying the fellowship and participation in their activities. He was a 60year
plus member of the Fleet Reserve Association in Imperial Beach. He was a life member of the
American Legion and VFW. He was a patron of the San Diego Zoo, the USS Midway Museum,
and a member of the Panama Canal Society of Southern California.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Thelma, brother Bill Hollowell, sisters:
Hope Hirons, and Victoria Allen, niece Rita Allen Rand, nieces Virginia and Lillian Hirons.
He is survived by nephew Karl (Lynn) Allen, Wendy Allen Mattias (Willie) of Tucson, AZ,
Kimberly Allen, Pecos,NM, niece Tinker Hollowell Cooper, nephew Cody Hollowell of
Jacksonville ,FL..niece Sue (Albert) Ferenbach, Kerrville ,TX, niece Ann Dmenech, FL, nephew
Bob Berndt(Susan) Ceres CA, and several great nieces and nephews.
A memorial Service is planned for September 9, at Holy Way Presbyterian Church, 11am
4040 S Bilbray Ave, Tucson AZ. Cremation has taken place and.lnterment is at Madronia
Cemetery, Saratoga,CA, in the family plot. Donations in David's name can be made to the
charity of your choice.
What’s your fondest memory of David?
What’s a lesson you learned from David?
Share a story where David's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with David you’ll never forget.
How did David make you smile?
