Vernon loses beloved community leader in accident

A well known and respected member of the Vernon community tragically lost his life in a traffic collision Sept. 12.
Irl Holt, 90, of Vernon was pronounced dead at the scene of the two-vehicle collision that occurred on College Drive at Hospital Drive.
Vernon Police Department Captain Levi Edmonds said that the police department received a call reporting the collision at 2:30 p.m., Sept. 12, and the first officer arrived at 2:32 p.m.

Irl Holt

Edmonds said the investigation into the collision indicates that a 2012 Dodge Challenger, driven by a 20-year-old Vernon man, was traveling westbound on College Drive when it struck the side of a 2019 Buick LaCrosse driven by Holt, as it crossed College Drive from Hospital Drive.
The driver of the Challenger was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.
Holt remained active and a part of the community until the time of his death. Memories and goodbyes for Holt were posted on Facebook, all expressing condolences.
“Irl Holt was a tremendous gentleman with a great history of commitment to family, friends, community, and God,” said Vernon College President Dr. Dusty Johnston.
“He was good to students and parents in his years as a teacher, counselor, and principal. He was good to the many people that were in his congregation during his fifty years as a pastor. He was good to the many people fortunate to be called his friend.
“He was a tireless community volunteer. Irl was a great board member and supporter for Vernon College. Irl served on the Vernon College board of trustees 2012-2024. He was always focused on what was best for students and employees.
“He was an inspiration to me personally and one of my heros for how he lived his life. My condolences to his family. He will be missed by all.”