Robert W. Golding Sr.

Robert was born in Keego Harbor, MI on January 6th, 1941, to parents, Victor B. and Clara Dewey (Saunders) Golding and was the youngest of 13 children. After the death of his mother, family circumstances led him to drop out of high school his senior year and joining the Army at the age of 18 and obtained his GED. After basic training he was stationed at Old Fort Niagara in upstate New York.

His first assignment proved to be a sign from God because this is where he met the love of his life, Carol Marie Buttery from Niagara Falls. They tied the knot in 1964 in Niagara Falls at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Robert and Carol had 7 children together and lived the military lifestyle living in various locations in the US and traveling the world. The Golding family finally settled in Copperas Cove, TX in 1979.

Robert always shared that he joined the army to “travel see the world” and that he did. During his 21-year military career, he served as a Mess Sargent keeping the troops fed aboard in Vietnam and Germany. Stateside he was stationed at Ft. Riley, KS, Ft. Dix, NJ, and his favorite Ft. Hood, TX. Robert was a proud Vietnam veteran and would happily share his stories to anyone that would sit and listen. He would always stop to thank any veteran that crossed his path. After retiring, he continued to serve the military community by working for a local moving and storage company for 20 years. Robert also continued his education and received an Associated Degree in Restaurant Management from Central Texas College.

Above all, Sir Robert was a man of God and was a long-time member of Holy Family Catholic Church where he was a 4th degree Knight. During his life in Texas, he was active with various community groups, such as Star Group Vets Helping Veterans, VFW Post 8577 Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce, Four Winds, and the Police Academy’s Citizens on Patrol. You could often catch him at Lil’ Tex simply hanging out with his coffee buddies, sharing meals and chatting with friends.

2023 Robert came to live in London, Ohio with his daughter-care giver, Clara. He immediately had no issues making new friends. Robert continued his devotion as a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and joined the Knights of Columbus, VFW Post 7005 West Jefferson, American Legion Post 105 London and Madison County Senior Center.

Robert never met a stranger and loved spending time in his community and with family. He was known around town as “Cowboy Bob”, wearing his signature cowboy hat and wielding his wooden, gun-handled cane or driving his golf cart. He loved going to Madison County Senior Center to play cards with his friends three days a week. Robert also found his new coffee watering hole and could often be seen at M&M Diner. Robert deeply loved his family and was always surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, being a jokester, and sneaking snacks whenever he could. Did we mention he loved playing cards? Whenever he could, no matter what a grandchild’s age, a game was going at home where he would often be spirited with his shenanigans and unsolicited table talk, Robert also loved watching Old Westerns, painting ceramics and sometimes anything else he came upon. He loved going for day-rides visiting various Ohio and surrounding attractions.

Robert is proceeded in death by his parents Clara and Victor Golding, his wife Carol (Buttery) Golding, 11 of his siblings; Gertrude, Gladys, Ralph, Victor, Florence, Alice, Carl, Elmer, Oliver, Harriet, and Douglas, 3 of his children; William, Eleanor, and Peter; a grandchild, Brittany Alsup.

Remaining to cherish Robert’s memory are his brother Benjamin “Ben” Golding and his wife Beverly and many nieces and nephews. His children; Clara Golding-Kent, Marylouise Golding, Angela Darlene Golding-Slover, Robert William Golding Jr. (Tawana). His grandchildren; Keith Charles Park (Stacy), Christopher Michael Poole (Ashleigh), Mark Richard Kent (Elsie Tan), Arthur Spayde Fisher IV, Patrick Charles Kent (Taylin), Bryce Maddison (TJ), Ashley Annemarie Renken (Taylor), Donelle Renee Fuller (Patrick), Timothy Gene Poole, Sara Renee Poole (Carlos), Samantha Faye Ames, Macie Elouise Hobbs (Tyler), Eloura Ann Golding, Kevin Michael Steele, Kyle Matthew Steele (Nadia), and many great grandchildren.

A Visitation will be held November 17th, 2025, from 6 to 8pm at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove, TX. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday November 18th at 11am at Holy Family Catholic Church. Following the Mass, Robert will be laid to rest alongside his wife and family in Copperas Cove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Robert please send any donations to Holy Family Catholic Church or the VFW Post #8577.

In parting, remember his favorite words, “I’m Okay”.