Remembering Michael Benson Holian and his decades of service to the community

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – At 79 years of age, Michael Holian has passed away as a result of prostate cancer. A beloved friend, father and co-worker among many other things.

Holian was a long time educator, acted as the dean of students at Greenwood High for a time, volunteered at First Christian Church Free Community Grocery and served as a chaplain at the Bowling Green Police Department. There are too many stories to tell about Holian as anyone who attended his funeral will tell you, but it was clear that he was a very loved man and will be dearly missed.

His grandson, fellow church members and fellow ministers spoke highly of Holian, recalling his sense of humor and his selflessness. Several officers of BGPD attended as well, showing their support for such a community and department pillar.

A chaplain is a volunteer position, filled by ministers in the jurisdiction. Holian served as a chaplain for BGPD for 20 years and only stopped after his health took a turn. Both police officers and civilians say there will be a hole in the community now that Holian has passed, everyone at the service being reminded that they now carry Holian’s torch.

In the words of funeral goers, Holian was kind and caring, generous and funny, humble and faithful.