Billy Golden

B illy G olden, age 91, of North Platte, passed away at Linden Court on September 2, 2021.

Billy was born to John and Gladys (Attebery) Golden on March 22, 1930, in North Platte where he grew up. He attended North Platte High School and graduated in 1948. Being a natural athlete, Billy played in 4 sports, football, basketball, track and baseball.

After graduating, Billy hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad. He worked for the P.F.E. as an ice man then was a yard clerk at the First Hump. In 1949 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After his honorable discharge in '50, Billy returned home and to his job on the railroad. He was president of his union for 25 years and eventually retired as Chief Crew Dispatcher after 44 years with the railroad.

On November 23, 1952, Billy married Gwen Hoban in North Platte where they made their home and raised a family. He was a member of the Eagles Aires #2839, Moose Lodge #551, Habitat for Humanity, RSVP, D.A.V. Chapter #3 and P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion. He liked helping others and over the years he had donated 35 gallons of blood.

Billy enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports and was a Big Red fan. He played softball until the age of 55 and could always be seen at football games and track meets. Billy loved all his grandkids and great-grandkids equally and if he could, he would be at their sporting activities cheering them on.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gladys Golden; sister, Rosaline Welch; his son, John Golden; daughter, Connie Schiel; grandson, Tyler Golden; and great-granddaughter, Lola Schiel.

Billy is survived by his wife, Gwen, and son, Billy Joe Golden, of North Platte; daughters, Jodell (Tim) Shantz, Sugar (Jac) Thiessen and Lilana Golden (Mike Kelly), all of Omaha; as well as 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 6 great great-grandchildren and other family and friends.

Cremation was chosen. Graveside service with Military Honors will be 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Please dress in your casual clothes. The memorial book may be signed online at odeanchapel.com or at the graveside. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the new North Platte Community Build Playground.