Richard Lee Golden's Obituary
Richard Lee Golden, age 65, of Elyria, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2014 at University Hospitals of Cleveland.
Born on October 21, 1948 in Neelys Landing, Missouri to the late Rollie and Nellie (nee Sanford) Golden, Richard graduated from Cape Girardeau High School. He furthered his education and received an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice.
From 1965-1986, he served in the US Navy, including having served during the Vietnam War, which he earned a Purple Heart along with many good conduct medals during his military career. Richard retired from the Navy with the prestigious rank of Chief Master at Arms.
After his time in the military, Richard began his career with the San Diego Police Department. Once in Ohio, he began working at the Lorain Correctional Institute in Grafton, where he was currently still employed. He worked there for 24 years before earning the rank of Sergeant in corrections.
Richard was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Elyria; a life member of the Amvets Post 32 and life member of the VFW Post 1079 both in Elyria; and a life member and past vice-commander and past commander of the American Legion Post 118 in Amherst.
He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and flower gardening, and was an animal lover. He enjoyed spending his evenings with fellow veterans at the veteran’s posts that he belonged to.
He was loved by his family and will be deeply missed by his wife of 14 years, Kristi (nee Thomas); his sons, Richard Jr. and Michael, both of CA; his brother, Stephen “Butch” (Pat) Golden of MO; his sister, Mary Ann (Michael) Kasten, of MO; and adored nieces and nephews located in Florida, Oklahoma and Missouri. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Barbara A. Thomas, of Amherst; his sister-in-law, Lori (Craig) Oursler, of Amherst and his beloved nephew, Collin Oursler, of Amherst.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Rose Ann; his brothers, Rollie Jr. and Norman and his father-in-law, William S. Thomas.
The family will receive friends on Monday, June 9, 2014 from 2- 6 p.m. in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Rd., Amherst. Inurnment will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery with full military honors being conducted.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to: Valor Home of Lorain County, 221 West 21st St., Lorain, OH 44052; or Friendship APL of Lorain County, 8303 Murray Ridge Rd, Elyria, OH 44035; or Partners with Paws of Lorain County, P.O. Box 277, Oberlin, OH 44074.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com
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