Steven Holloman

The things we know about Steve Holloman made him a beloved father and grandfather, hall of fame teacher, and icon of Topeka’s music landscape. We know that his story began May 11, 1952, when he was born to William and Jeanne Holloman in Topeka, Kansas and that his story was made better by the arrival of his siblings, Kris, Jim, Jan, and Scott. We know that Steve was a faithful husband for 51 years, and that the marriage produced three wonderful children. We know that most people knew him only as ‘H’, but his favorite thing to be called was ‘Dad’. Steve was unquestionably proud of his three children: Heidi, Haley, and Brandon. We know that Steve never missed a chance to watch his grandkids play soccer. We know that Steve hated soccer, but he loved being a grandfather. He loved sneaking away to spoil them with an ice cream cone or Sonic drink. He loved sharing a good underwear joke with his grandkids. And he loved to goad Veronica into admonishing him when he was encouraging them to cause trouble. Steve was known to be a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. He was a proud Ichabod. Washburn University had a special place in his heart because it gave him two of his life’s greatest gifts–his career and his wife, Veronica. We know that if not for Veronica Simmons, we wouldn’t know Steve Holloman. Her commitment to Steve provided the foundation and direction he needed to grow into the teacher he would become. Veronica’s steadfast love for Steve remained an ever-present power throughout his life. Outside of his profession, he kept a summer job running a paint crew that he used to make extra money to pay for his family’s summer vacation. The members of the paint crew remained his closest friends and confidants. Steve was best known for his 41 years as a teacher, with more than three decades spent as the band director for Topeka High School. Even in retirement he remained a teacher. Steve taught his grandkids to play their instruments during lessons which he called “jam sessions”. He didn’t allow any of his grandchildren to become drummers because we all know that ‘H’ did not like drummers. But Steve did love his time as the head of the Trojan Band. He cherished the countless memories formed during the Disney trips with the band. He loved taking the jazz band to his favorite barbecue place–Arthur Bryant’s–after a trip to the Kansas City Jazz Museum so that he could teach them his trick of always ordering the food to go because he swore that they gave you extra food that way. Steve loved that the neighbors always called the cops when the Howitzers went off during each performance of the 1812 Overture at the Dogs on The Lawn concert. We know that everyone who was lucky enough to share an encounter with Steve Holloman left that encounter better than they were before. We know that Steve Holloman believed in every student he ever taught, even when they didn’t believe in themselves. What we know about Steve Holloman will flood our memories and fill our hearts for a lifetime. But it is the things that we don’t know about him that will forever be his legacy. We don’t know how much pain Steve was in during his final years because not even his declining health could dull the sparkle in his eyes, mischievous smile, or his perfectly timed jokes. We don’t know how many students left his office with a book bag full of food or a $20 bill because ‘H’ knew that they needed a little help. We don’t know how many beds or Christmas gifts he secretly delivered from the back of his band van to the homes of his students. And we will never truly know how to measure the influence that his light brought to this world. Because we can never know how many kids chose to come to school instead of skipping just because they wanted to see ‘H’. Or how many kids’ lives were saved because music gave them the outlet they needed when they were headed down the wrong path. We will never be able to fully know how many students went on to be music teachers or professional musicians after their time in room 332 at Topeka High. We don’t know how many people play an instrument today because they were taught to love music by Steve, or because their father or mother was in his class. But that is exactly how Steve Holloman would have wanted it. Throughout his career, Steve shied away from the spotlight because for him it was never about the accolades. It was about trying to reach as many kids as possible in the time he had with them. We don’t know why we were lucky enough to share this earth with Steve Holloman for a brief time, but we’re grateful to God that we did. Steve is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Veronica; their three children, Heidi Nelson, Haley Murphy, and Brandon; and their beloved grandchildren, Brecken, Brody, Britain, Beckham, and Bentley. He is also survived by his siblings, Kris Rowan, Jim, Jan Caroll, and Scott. He was preceded in death by his parents. Rosary will be prayed at 5 p.m. with visitation to follow until 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church, 1114 SW 10th Street, Topeka KS 66604. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at the church. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Steve's Funeral Mass will be live-streamed on the funeral home's Facebook page, you can follow this link. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063672125244 In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Steve Holloman Memorial Music Scholarship through the Washburn University Foundation. Checks may be made out to Washburn University Foundation, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online at www.kevinbrennanfamily.com

Steven Holloman

May 11, 1952 - August 13, 2025