Funeral day

Golden, Claude M. "Bud"
Claude M. "Bud" Golden, 81, of Kansas City, Kansas, died Sunday, August 17, 2008 at Presbyterian Manor. Funeral Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 20 at the Stony Point Christian Church, 149 S. 78th St. Kansas City, KS; burial in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Kansas City, KS. Friends may call from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Stony Point Christian Church. The family suggest contributions to the Church. Mr. Golden was born February 6, 1927 in Kansas City, Kansas and was a lifelong resident. He was a Safety Supervisor for KCP&L for 18 years. He was a member of Stony Point Christian Church where he served as an Elder, Lay Minister, Chairman of the Church Board and taught Sunday school for many years. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran serving in China during WW II and was a member of the American Legion and V.F.W. He was also a member of the Roger E. Sherman Masonic Lodge. Later in life he had worked for D.W. Newcomer's Funeral Chapel and later at the Highland Park Funeral Home & Cemetery for many years. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Becky Golden of the home. Six children & their spouses; Linda & Dennis Wistrom, Claudia & Dale Underwood & Kenneth & Patti Golden, all of Kansas City, KS. Gary & Arlene Roberts of Enid, OK, Janece & Joe Crosthwait of Joplin, MO & Dan & Christa Golden of Shawnee, KS. 17 grandchildren & 14 great-grandchildren. Online condolences may be expressed at www.Highlandparkfh.com. (Arrangements: Highland Park Funeral Home & Crematory, State Avenue at 41st Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66102 (913) 371-0699)


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I think I just made it through one of the hardest twenty four hours in my life. To some that may sound dramatic, but that is truly the only way I can describe it. I feel so emotionally, physically and mentally drained. I'm happy that Gpa is with Jesus and isn't suffering anymore, but at the same time, my heart is so sad that he's gone.

The funeral was perfect (that sounds weird, huh?). I'm telling you, Gpa was proud of all of us. He was in heaven watching us, crying with us and even laughing with us. Back in January 2007, Gpa typed out the kind of service he wanted. He even told the preacher what to preach on. He had a message in there for Gma, the big kids, us kids and the great grandkids. That was pretty dang cool.

Gpa wanted the family to all meet in the lounge in the back of the church. He wanted Bill, the minister, to pray with us first and then he wanted us "escorted" to our "reserved seats in the front." Bill did the service and then starting at the back of the church, people came forward and passed by the casket one last time. The first gentleman that walked up to the casket saluted Gpa. Oh my gosh, the tears flowed again then! Just when you think you can't cry anymore...something like that happens and you loose it all over again!


Out at the grave site, Steve and I were talking and he said "This moment right now is what your Gpa lived for; him in heaven, looking down on all his family sticking together." If that's not the truth, I don't know what is. I'm telling you, my Gpa was one hell of a man-he was such an incredible father, grandfather, husband, and friend. He was probably the strongest Christian man I know. He loved his family more than anything in the world and there was never a doubt of that. He lived a life like no other. I am so blessed to be part of his family.

I love you and miss you Gramps. Thank you for raising such great kids and for setting such a great example for us grandkids. Thank you for loving us and for guiding us. Thank you for setting an example for us of what a Christian man and husband is supposed to be. I cherish all the memories that we made together. You were one of a kind, that's for sure. Enjoy yourself in heaven. I'll see ya when I get there.