GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Earl Holton, former president and vice-chairman of the board for Meijer, passed away Friday at age 90.
Credited with expanding Meijer's offerings to combine general merchandise with their already successful grocery brand, Holton became president of the company in 1980 after working his way up through the ranks— beginning in the stockroom at the local Meijer where he developed a life-long friendship with Frederik Meijer.
Holton was president when Meijer expanded from Michigan and Ohio into Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky, stepping down in 1999.
He served 5 more years after that time as vice-chairman of Meijer's corporate board and in key roles on the boards of the Grand Valley University Foundation, Goodwill Industries, Spectrum Health Group, CMS Energy, and Old Kent Bank & Trust (now Fifth Third Bank).
Mr. Holton would proudly claim his most significant community service was co-chairing the capital campaign for the creation of the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, which he became involved in as a small thank you to Fred who had done so much for him and his family.
Visitation for friends and family will be held on Thursday, May 16 from 4-8 p.m. at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Memorials can be made to the park's foundation or Fred & Lena Meijer Heart Center.
