Dan Charles Golden, of Kearney, MO, died May 20, 2023. He was born on March 6, 1932, the seventh child of John and Irene (Jones) Golden in Danville, Illinois.
In the fall of 1950, Coach Norris Patterson, who had been Dan’s football coach at the Danville High School, recruited Bobby Nield, Dave Plymire, Laural Hobick and Dan Golden, to play football for him at William Jewell College.
As a college football player, Dan was all conference first team defense line during his junior and senior years. In 1953 he was tri-captain with Laural Hobick and Bobby Nield. Dan was very proud that WJC had a 4 year team record of 35-6-1.
In 1950 he volunteered to be the coach and captain for the wrestling team at WJC.
In 1954 Dan graduated from WJC with a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education. A Masters Degree in Secondary Education was received from Indiana State University in 1960.
His career was spent as a coach, classroom teacher, counselor and principal in the states of Missouri,
Illinois and California.
On April 10, 1954, he and Ann Jackson were married at the Methodist Church on Franklin St. in Liberty, MO.
Ann, his partner of 69 years, survives of the home. They proudly raised five children, Carl, John, Jane, Ann Elise and Anita. They also cherished eight grandchildren and three great granddaughters.
In 1964 Dan was confirmed by the RT. Reverend Robert Rusack of the Los Angeles Diocese of the Episcopal Church.
Dan was pre-deceased by his daughter, Jane Golden; his parents, John and Irene Golden; parent-in-laws,
Carl and Helen Dever Jackson; grandson, John Foster Golden (Carl); and Camryn Jane Golden (John).
Friends may call from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at the Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, 208 S. Jefferson, Kearney, MO. Graveside Services will be private. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, contributions to be made to the Kearney Fire Department.
