OFFICER RICHARD L. GOLDEN

BADGE 1473, ID 4024

SDPD 07/24/1986 - 04/20/1989

10/21/1948 - 05/26/2014

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.

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