FOLEY — The Foley City Council approved a resolution Monday to rename the Foley Municipal Airport.
The new name will be "Holk Field at Foley Municipal Airport," named in honor of the late Mayor Arthur Holk.
Holk, the father of State Rep. Frances Holk-Jones (R-Foley), was an avid pilot. He served the city for 20 years as a councilman and 20 years as mayor. Holk-Jones attended the council meeting on Monday and expressed her profound honor and gratitude.
"My father, Arthur Holk, and my grandfather before him both had the privilege of serving as mayor of Foley, and their love for this community shaped every part of their lives," Holk-Jones said of her family's legacy. "This recognition is especially meaningful because my father was the very first person to land at what is now Holk Field. Aviation was one of his greatest passions, and that love carried on to our family — my brother Andy and I both took our lessons and soloed at this very airport."
"To see the place that meant so much to my father and to our family carry the Holk name is something we will never forget," Holk-Jones continued. "We are truly grateful to the Mayor & Foley City Council and to the City of Foley for honoring his legacy and the generations of Holks who have proudly served this community."
Arthur Holk graduated from Foley High School in 1945. He was a leading insurance agent in the state. Holk passed away in 2021 at the age of 95 after suffering a major stroke. He was remembered as a faithful public servant and philanthropist.
Hellmich said it would be an honor to name the airport after Holk for his dedication to the city and for his love of aviation.
"He was the first pilot to fly into the Foley airport when it was moved to its current location and then utilized the airport for many years," Hellmich wrote in a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every day or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
