Obituary
Justin Blake Holder, age 41 of Greenwood, MO, passed away on September 15, 2025 in St. Louis, MO surrounded by family after a two and a half year battle with leukemia.
Justin was born on March 3, 1984 in Dexter, MO and was adopted at two days old by Frank and Lynda Holder to their great joy. Justin lived most of his life in Lee’s Summit, MO where he excelled in math and academics and became an Eagle Scout at the age of 13. Justin was saved and baptized at 11 and acknowledged his faith in Jesus. He was a quiet, thoughtful, hardworking young man with a determined attitude to live.
Justin’s passion was music in all forms. He was part of the Crimson Camerata choir and played the bass in orchestra at Lee’s Summit North High School. He continued choir at Central Methodist University. He reunited with his birth parents Jamie Carman and Joey Whitaker while touring with his Collegiate choir and had a loving relationship with them. Justin was also a very competitive gamer and a lot of his social life was dedicated to playing. He spent a lot of his adult life working in retail and management.
In November 2011, Justin reunited with Casey Swafford, a friend since 1998. They began dating and soon were devoted to each other. Justin stepped into the role of a stepfather for Casey’s son Truman, where they bonded over video games, baseball, and Boy Scouts. Justin and Casey were united in marriage on August 15th, 2025.
Justin is preceded in death by his miniature schnauzer Morgan, aka “baby girl.”
Justin is survived by his wife Casey Holder, parents Frank and Lynda Holder, brother Jonathan (Lindsay) Holder, sister Shannon (Thomas) Harris, brother Frank (Penny) Holder, stepson Truman Greenfield, in-laws Paul and Mary Swafford, sister-in-law Wendy Scalf, many loving nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, and their spouses and children.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life during a visitation on Thursday October 16, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with a service to be held Friday October 17, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. In lieu of flowers please give contributions to American Cancer Society Hope Lodge.
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Our Justin Blake – moved home too soon for us – but, I am rejoicing he is with his King – Jesus. A precious young man whom we are eternally thankful to have known and will see again. Quiet, unassuming, hardworking – thankful for the small things in life. Justin left an indelible mark on his bride, Casey, family, and friends alike. What a joy to have known our Justin Blake.
You see, every child of God overcomes the world, for our faith is the victorious power that triumphs over the world. So who are the world conquerors, defeating its power? Those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:4-5 TPT
My deepest condolences. Peace from OUR HOLY TRINITY TO YOU ALL. Andy Dawn and Andrew Gerrard.
Justin fought a long and difficult battle against Leukemia these last two years.
His attitude was hopeful and accommodatingly gracious to the medical community who cared for him.
Throughout his battle Justin was hopeful, patient, and kind always trusting in Gods highest plan for himself.
Justin, like all of his family and we Aunts,
Uncles, and Cousins, assumed that he, with the help of medical science and much prayer we would be with us for a long time.
The Lord had other plans and Justin is now enjoying all that heaven has to offer. He is delightfully where we all long to be when our days here are finished.
We will miss Justin’s presence, yet we’re confident that he would t return to this lower realm even if the Lord permitted it!
Enjoy the unsurpassed glory of heaven, Justin until we see you there!
My Heart goes out to his brother, parents and all who knew him close. Now he is with Jesus our Lord and my prayer is that he be not forgotten ever!
Justin I love you , always have ,You were always
Quite unassuming ,You are so brilliant , one just knew you were . I always visioned we would enjoy your wonderful singing Voice with praises to our Lord and savior . And we will throughout
All eternity . I know you are the happiest now ,
More than we can understand Now . You marriage to Casey was such a gift to all our hearts . Casey is an excellent Mom and has been so faithful and loving to you . Praise our Father
God you were in our family here on earth . Truman was a delight to your heart , I just always knew . We miss you darling JB.
What a beautiful tribute. Continued prayers to family and friends of Justin.
To Jamie and Joey, there are no words to describe the gift you gave us with Justin. He will always be our treasure and delight that we got to parent him. He is a one of a kind guy, gentle, kind, sweet, loving, hospitable, helpful, loving, brilliant, gifted musically, willing always to share—we love him so much.
As an adult Justin was quiet, thoughtful, and hard working. He had a determined attitude to live.
He fought valiantly and courageously the entire duration of his illness not wanting to put anyone out or change someone’s schedule. Shouldering responsibility to take care of himself as much as he could.
Justin showed up for every medical procedure with a willing heart and an attitude, “If this will help me get better, do it!”
Justin was thankful for the things in life which truly matter., and a willingness to be there for those he loved.
Our hearts are heavy with grief at his loss but with complete peace that he is with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is completely healed with no pain, no disease, no medical intervention of any kind.
For him joy unspeakable and full of glory as he now resides where we all long to go. Absent from the body is present with the Lord.
We are blessed to know that Justin was saved and very sad to learn that what seemed to be hopeful turned so suddenly. It is hard to be so far from family but we are closer now that we live in Dallas. I will be glad to see everyone and able to celebrate that Justin is where we all want to end up and pray that we all do in God’s perfect timing, that we do not always understand.
Thanks to all who shared here. Justin was loved deeply. And, he deeply loved. He was a blessing to his family. A life well lived. Continued prayers for Casey and the family.
I have such vivid memories of when Justin joined our family. He was a beautiful baby and had those “Paul Newman” blue eyes. One of my favorite memories of Justin is when he wanted to play the piano for us. First, he had to adjust the lighting in the room and make sure everything was just right, and only then would he play. I was heartbroken that he and his family had to endure this long battle with cancer, but none of us know how many days we have on earth. If we believe in Jesus, and we’re still here, it’s because He still has work for us to do. Justin’s work here was finished, and he is now seeing and experiencing things that I long to see. I pray for comfort for those who were the closest to him.
One of my favorite memories of Justin is when he was a little guy, hanging out with Benjamin playing superheroes or other little boy antics. Running around, free from adult burdens, laughing and having a blast. He was a co ring bearers in our wedding when I was blessed to join this close knit tribe in 1988.
We were saddened to hear of Justin’s passing. It’s an especially hard loss when the timing feels much too early. Our condolence’s to everyone who bears the deepest loss. We love you guys and will continue to pray for the hope and comfort of the Holy Spirit to overflow in your souls.
Psalm 126
“When the Lord brought back the captive ones of Zion, We were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter And our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us; We are glad. Restore our captivity, O Lord, As the streams in the South. Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”
I love this Psalm! It’s such a metaphor of life’s journey, shedding our captivities that are both inward and outward, supporting and walking with those we hold close through theirs. Sowing our seeds with tears. But for those who finish the race and God calls them home, it feels like a dream, that is followed by shouts of joy (Adrian loud), and the proclamation that God has done GREAT things for us ….and we are glad! We are blessed as a family by God, to hold this truth and hope, that now belongs fully to Justin.
My condolences to the Holder family!
Jonathan, I am so sorry to hear about your brother’s passing. May he rest in peace!
I was deeply saddened to hear of Justin’s passing. I always admired the strength and determination it took to face such a difficult journey with leukemia.
Please know that my thoughts are with you all during this time. I regret that I am unable to be with you in person, but I hope you find comfort in each other and in the memories you shared. May you feel peace and strength in the days ahead, and may Justin rest in eternal light.
God be with his wonderful Family
I still can’t believe you’re gone, old friend. You were the best of us in a lot of ways. I miss you.