Ronald "Ron" Wayne Holloway

Ronald “Ron” Wayne Holloway passed away peacefully at home in Topeka, Kansas, on September 22, 2026, surrounded by his wife and two of his daughters. He was born on December 31, 1945, in Portland, Oregon.

Ron lived a life marked by steady purpose, deep faith, and devotion to both family and work. He graduated from Middleton High School in Idaho and went on to attend both Idaho State and the University of Idaho, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Idaho. His career reflected his strong work ethic and thoughtful leadership. From 1969 to 1970, he worked for Bechtel in San Francisco, from 1970 to 1978 he worked at the Arkansas Nuclear One power plant through the Bechtel corporation in Russellville, Arkansas. Then from 1976 to 1978 he moved back to the San Francisco location. From 1978 to 1981, he worked on his family’s farm in Idaho, a place that also held many cherished memories of farming alongside his dad and building his own family home. In 1981, he began what would become a long and meaningful career with Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation, serving in various positions until 2018 and concluding his work there as a Project Engineer.

Outside of his profession, Ron embraced life with energy and gratitude. He enjoyed basketball, running, quail hunting, golfing, fishing, road bicycling, and swimming. He took part in numerous years of the Bike Across Kansas and the Bicycle Tour of Colorado organized rides, and also joined other biking tours in Indiana and Texas. He gave his time generously through Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Lunch Buddy Program, and he joined several mission trips to Mexico to help build homes. He also participated in men’s church groups, reflecting the Christian faith that was a steady and important part of his life. Ron found satisfaction in carpentry and woodworking, and he also enjoyed gun collecting and target shooting.

One of the joyful stories carried through the family was how Ron learned to water ski on the family farm, with his brother pulling him behind his father’s truck along irrigation ditches that also served as the family swimming hole. It was the kind of memory that captured both his adventurous spirit and the simple happiness found in family life.

Those who knew Ron will remember a man who was soft spoken, kind, and gentle. He had a funny nature and a great sense of humor that brought warmth to those around him. He was strong in his Christian faith, dependable in all he did, and a wonderful, supportive brother, husband, father, and grandfather whose love was felt across generations.

Above all, Ron treasured his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Holloway. He also leaves behind his children and their families: his son Russell (Dani) Holloway, of Georgia, along with their children, Lucas and Tristan; his daughter Betsy (Mark) Thompson, of Missouri, and their sons, John and David; his daughter Sarah (Mark) Denton, of Colorado; his daughter Amanda (Stephen) Meinhardt, of Colorado, and their children, Brantt and Lilyann; his son Spencer (Mollie) Whitaker, of Colorado, and their daughter, Clementine; and his daughter Katarina (Mike) Carlson, of Kansas, and their children, Hunter, Emmett, Amelia, and Levi; brother, Barry Holloway, of Arizona; and his sister, Bette Stone, of Idaho. In each of them, his love, guidance, humor, and steady example will continue to live on.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Windell and Mae Holloway.

Ron’s life was one of faith, hard work, generosity, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the blessing of knowing him.

Services will be held at a later date. Please visit us again for the service information.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Focus on the Family or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Topeka.