Thomas “Tommy” Holiwell was born on August 2, 1944, in Bakersfield to James “Uncle

Dick” Holiwell and Desiree Davis. While his mother was pregnant with Tommy, the

family relocated to Buttonwillow with his two older sisters. Eventually, his parents

welcomed two more daughters. Tommy was the only boy in the family and grew up

surrounded by the love of his sisters and parents.

Tommy graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1963. Following high school, Tommy

made the honorable decision to enlist in the United States Army in 1965, where he

proudly served his country for four years. During his military service, Tom earned

recognition as a Basic Training Sharpshooter and received 3 medals: Vietnam Service

Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was honorably

discharged from the Army and later attended Bakersfield College.

After his military service, Tom began his career in the oil fields with Chevron as a car

washer. Through hard work, dedication, and determination, he worked his way up to

mechanic and eventually became a Supervisor as the Lead Mechanic. Tom dedicated

33 years of service to Chevron before retiring.

Tom was previously married to Nadine Washington, where he was blessed with a

special daughter, LaTasha Holiwell. His next relationship with Joyce Boles, he

welcomed his son, Thomas Holiwell Jr., and a bonus daughter, Kenyon Caples. Tom

later met and married the love of his life, Carolyn Holiwell, who lovingly embraced

LaTasha Holiwell, Kenyon Caples, and Tommy Jr. as her own.

Tom found great joy in the outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, and camping and

traveling with Carolyn in their RV. They enjoyed going on cruises and winning money at

the casino, creating cherished memories together on the open road. Tom also enjoyed

playing dominoes with his family and friends. Tom earned the name “Haus mustard”

from his uncle Sun. He was a hardworking man who deeply loved his family and

enjoyed life’s simple pleasures.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, James Holiwell and Desiree Davis, and his

sister, Jewellean Holiwell.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Carolyn Holiwell; his son, Tommy

Holiwell Jr.; his daughters, LaTasha Holiwell and Kenyon Caples; his grandson, Thomas

Holiwell III; his granddaughter, Adalyn Holiwell; his sisters, Sue Holiwell, Liz Holiwell,

and Ruth Holiwell; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family

members, and dear friends.

Tom’s legacy of strength, dedication, love, and perseverance will forever remain in the

hearts of all who knew and loved him.