Stanberry, MO: It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jerry Golden, a cherished member of the Stanberry, Missouri community. On July 14th, 2023, Jerry peacefully departed this world, surrounded by his loving family and supported by the compassionate care of Mosaic Hospice at the age of 82. Jerry was an active member of the First Christian Church, which held a special place in his heart.
Jerry's life journey began on May 6th, 1941, when he was born to Dalphon (DL) and Clara (Kamler) Golden in Kansas City, Missouri. During his early years, his family relocated to a farm in rural Savannah, Missouri. Jerry excelled academically, graduating from Savannah High School in 1959. He went on to pursue higher education at Tarkio College in Tarkio, Missouri, where he not only showcased his athletic talents as the center for the Owl's football team but also earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a specialization in social sciences and physical education. In 1965, Jerry graduated and wasted no time in signing a contract with the Savannah School District, beginning his teaching career with a remarkable annual salary of $2,800.00. Jerry often fondly recalled how he and his wife believed they were living a life of luxury!
During his college days, love entered Jerry's life when he met Jane Zahnd at the Northside café in Savannah. Following the conclusion of the football season in 1961, Jerry and Jane fearlessly embarked on their journey together, exchanging vows on December 27th, 1961, even in the face of a powerful winter storm. Jerry and Jane were blessed with four children: Danette (Tim) Hanson from Des Moines, Iowa; Kelly (Mark) Baines from Denver, Colorado; Pat (Trena) Golden from Colony, Kansas; and Tracy (Jeff) Osborn from Stanberry, Missouri.
Jerry's commitment to learning led him to earn a Master's Degree and a Specialist in Education Degree in Secondary Administration from Northwest Missouri State University. Spanning over three decades, he dedicated his time to teaching and coaching various sports at the high school level, including football, boys' track, girls' and boys' basketball, softball, and volleyball. In the later years of his career, Jerry served as a high school principal and superintendent. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, he could often be found tending to football fields and ball diamonds, ensuring their upkeep. Even after retiring, Jerry remained actively involved in the sports community, providing coaching advice to his grandchildren and enthusiastically calling the play-by-play from the crow's nest during Stanberry football games.
Retirement granted Jerry the freedom to wholeheartedly pursue his passion for gardening. With his skilled green thumb, he nurtured vibrant strawberry beds, flourishing black raspberry patches, and thriving heirloom tomato crops, while maintaining a meticulous dandelion-free yard. While his family and friends were fortunate to savor the bounty of his harvest, Jerry often held back his treasured black raspberries due to the challenging and occasionally painful process of gathering them. Apart from gardening, Jerry found solace and tranquility as a lifelong fisherman, seeking serenity on the water. Whenever he visited a casino, he was captivated by the thrill and allure of the Buffalo slot machine, enticed by its spinning reels of chance and
excitement. Jerry also cherished his membership in the Big Four Liars Club, where lifelong friendships were formed.
Jerry is preceded in death by his loving and patient wife, Jane, as well as his parents and brother, Gene Golden. He leaves behind a cherished legacy survived by his children and their spouses, sister-in-law Georgia Golden, grandchildren: Sarah (partner Eman Raske-Cochran) and Adrien Hanson, Jessica and Brenna (fiancé Brady Schwan) Baines, Kristen (Blake) Boone, Caitlin (Casey) Callaway, Miranda (Dakota) Sigg, Ryan Golden, Reid (fiancée Becca Goenner) Osborn, and Grant (partner Amy Hoover) Osborn. Furthermore, he is also survived by his adorable great-grandchildren: Rollie, Hudson, Lennie, Rynlee, Adlee Jane, Braven, Jeter, Ryatt, and Alora, as well as four nieces and one nephew.
Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 22 at the First Christian Church, Stanberry, MO under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Stanberry, MO. A private inurnment ceremony will take place at a later date, allowing Jerry's family to say their final goodbyes in an intimate setting . There is no visitation scheduled. Following the service, a gathering will be held in the church basement, where desserts and coffee will be served, providing an opportunity to share cherished memories and provide support to one another.
