Family mourns Republic couple killed in Thanksgiving crash, leaving 1-year-old daughter

Family members on both sides agree that Patrick and Shandrea Holloway seemed like the perfect couple.

Him, a thoughtful, steadfast, quiet, Navy man. Her, a brilliant, hard-charging, coffee-loving extrovert.

Together, they made it work after connecting in southwest Missouri around 2013.

So perhaps there is some solace for those who loved the couple that they left this world together. But the overwhelming feeling now is pain.

The Holloways, both 44, died Thanksgiving night in a head-on crash on Interstate 44, when another vehicle swerved in front of them two miles west of Springfield. Their 1-year-old daughter, a "miracle baby" already, survived in the backseat. The two occupants of the other car, Joshua Wamsley and Danielle Dillman, also died in one of the deadliest crashes of the year for the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Troop D, which covers the southwestern part of the state.

"To be honest, it really hasn't hit me yet," said Craig Hendrick, Shandrea's half-brother."We're still in shock right now. We're just confused, as everyone is when there's a tragedy like this that happens."

Hendrick and his wife have taken custody of 1-year-old Hannalee, who somehow came away from the wreckage with only a bruise from her seat belt.

Hendrick called Hannalee a blessing, but he never dreamed he would be raising her. Hendrick said his sister, Shandrea, was a devoted mother who used to get teased for the excessive number of baby photos she would post on social media. Hendrick said he is committed to making sure Hannalee has the best life possible, but he hates that his sister won't be around to carry out the motherly role she loved.

"Hannalee was her life," Hendrick said. "She just lived for her daughter."

In addition to Hannalee, the Holloways also leave behind Gavin, Patrick's 10-year-old son from a prior relationship. Online GoFundMe campaigns have been set up for both Hannalee and Gavin.

More:Four people die after Thanksgiving night crash on Interstate 44 near Springfield

Siblings say the Holloways brought out the best in each other

Bryan Jacoby, Shandrea's twin brother, is among those mourning the couple.

Jacoby explained that he and his sister were born premature and spent much of their infancy in hospital beds. They remained close throughout their lives and enjoyed the inside jokes and extrasensory perception that comes with being a twin.

"She said she could always tell if something would happen to me, she would get that feeling," Jacoby said. "And I get it, too, sometimes."

Jacoby said his sister, an applications analyst at Jack Henry in Springfield, had her life change for the better when she met Patrick Holloway. Jacoby remembers the couple's devotion to their children.

"He was a phenomenal father. He was a phenomenal husband," Jacoby said. "He was just a great guy."

Mike Holloway, Patrick's brother, had similar things to say about Shandrea and how she augmented Patrick's life.

Perhaps it's true about opposites attracting, Mike Holloway surmised. By the time he reached his 40s, Patrick had become more reserved (although he was outgoing as a child), and Shandrea gave him the freedom to relax and be himself.

"Shandrea is an amazing person," Mike Holloway said. "I think, in many ways, she and Pat were polar opposites. She was probably the most thoughtful, caring person that we ever met. And she really brought out those qualities in him."

Mike Holloway's voice cracked on Tuesday as he discussed his brother, a Hiland Dairy employee who also served in the military. Although Mike was older, he always looked up to and admired Patrick.

Mike Holloway said he is appreciative of Craig Hendrick for stepping up to care for Hannalee. He only wishes that selfless decision wasn't necessary.

"He was a great man," Mike Holloway said. "I will miss my brother for the rest of my life."

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Republic couple dies in I-44 crash, 1-year-old daughter survived