Theme Parks: Long-Time Santa Claus Land/Holiday World Employee Passes Away Blooloop

81-Year-Old Joe Hevron ‘Definition of Loyalty’

The Holiday World family is mourning the loss of long-time employee Joe Hevron, who passed away at a Spencer County nursing home.

Hevron, 81, began his park career in 1946, during Santa Claus Land’s first season. Over the years, Hevron served as Director of Cash Control, Warehouse and Flowers, among other departments. He continued coming to work at Holiday World through the end of last year, even while fighting cancer.

“Joe was the very definition of loyalty, ” says park matriarch Pat Koch. “For 65 years, this park was his life and he was a beloved part of our family. We will miss that dear man.”

Hevron was born in Lincoln City in May of 1929 and never left his hometown. He graduated from Dale High School in 1947 and continued working at Santa Claus Land and then Holiday World for the rest of his life, leaving only to serve in the Army during the Korean War.

“Joe never married or had children, but generations of young men and women considered Joe to be a favorite uncle, ” says Koch. “He always took time to treat each employee with kindness and respect. There’s no better example than that.”

Visitation and funeral arrangements for 81-year old Joe Hevron of Lincoln City are pending.