Mr. William Burke “Bill” Golden, 91, long time member of the Kirksville community, passed away on Monday morning, December 29, 2025, at Baptist Health, Richmond.
He was born in Madison County on April 6, 1934, the son of the late Orville Burke Golden & Eleanor Pearson Golden. Bill was a graduate of the old Kirksville High School and was a long-time farmer. For over 30 years, he was a faithful bus driver for the Madison County School System and so enjoyed the many children and families he met over the years. Bill was also an avid UK sports fan and was a lifetime member of the 101 Club where he served actively for over 40 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and friends.
Bill was a long-time member and deacon at the Kirksville Baptist Church, and in later years attended and was a member of the Kirksville Christian Church.
Survivors include: his children, Billie Battles (Don), Phoebe Golden (Rick Barnes), and Russell Golden (Jennifer); 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren; as well as so many extended family and friends that there is no way to count them all.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jacqulyn Ross Golden; one son, Douglas Ross Golden Sr.; one brother, Bobby Joe Golden; and one granddaughter, Laura Brooke Still.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at the Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home, W. Main St., Richmond, with Pastor John Poulette and Bro. Butch Pennington officiating. Burial will follow in the Old Paint Lick Cemetery (Manse).
Visitation will be after 11 a.m. Saturday, at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be: Russell Golden, Rick Barnes, Don Battles, Josh Still, Doug Ross Golden Jr., and Joe Willis.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Broox Golden, Roger Golden, Greg Golden, Chan Combs, Mike Estes, Billy W. Whittaker, Cecil Tribble, Jason Turner, and Jason Chanley.
