of Lake Jackson, TX
December 16, 1933 - May 29, 2019
- Obituary
- Guestbook
Charles Ernest Golden, age 85, of Lake Jackson, Texas died on May 29, 2019. Charlie was born in a cabin on his grandparents' farm in Kinniconick, Kentucky in 1933. From that humble beginning, he began a life of accomplishment, public service, travel, mentoring and helping others. Charlie's brilliance, smarts, good looks and sly sense of humor emerged early, skipping several grades in school, graduating at age 16 as Valedictorian of his Columbus, Ohio high school (multiple girls noted in his yearbook he was "really keen"). Charlie then earned his Bachelors of Science and his Masters degrees in Chemical Engineering within four years at The Ohio State University.
Charlie met Lucie on a blind date in 1952 and thus began a 67-year romance, including almost 62 years of married life.
He began work for Dow Chemical in 1956 and quickly was recognized as a technical expert, receiving several major patents very early in his career for chlor-alkali processes. As the leader on many important projects, he ultimately became a Technical Manager, traveling the world consulting and evaluating projects. After a 40-year career, he continued as a consultant for six years. He gladly mentored countless young professionals throughout his career. Charlie's genius was only matched by his humility; we as family never heard him brag once about anything he had done. At his retirement reception, the host asked the large crowd if anyone had ever won a technical argument with Charlie, or heard him say a bad word about anyone, or curse no one raised their hand, of course.
Charlie served as a leader for the Boy Scouts, after being a Scout himself. He ran for Lake Jackson City Council in 1980 and won, beginning a long tenure serving the public. Ultimately, he served 24 years as Councilman and also served on the Planning Commission; he was especially proud to study legal documents and proposals in-depth to protect the citizens from unnecessary rate increases and costs. Charlie also served for many years as a Director and President of the Brazoria County 100 Club.
Charlie always maintained a beautiful lawn and garden, and he loved the great outdoors and traveling. He especially took joy in taking his family on vacations every year. His kind and giving spirit served as an example to everyone he met for living a full life, and that spirit will continue on in others.
Charlie is survived by Lucie, daughter Kim Golden (Lara Enzor), son Mike Golden, and son Ken Golden (Anne), as well as his brother Maurice Franklin Golden (Maxine). Preceding him in death are his sisters Susan Kriege and Elizabeth Golden, and his parents Maurice Franklin and Alice Elizabeth. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Lake Jackson Charles Golden Memorial Fund or the Brazoria County 100 Club, and to post special remembrances on-line at Lakewood Funeral Chapel. No service will be held.
City of Lake Jackson
Attn: Charles Golden Memorial Fund
25 Oak Drive
Lake Jackson, TX 77566
www.100clubofbrazoriacounty.com
P.O. Box 1596, Lake Jackson, TX 77566 (979) 236-8748
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5 Condolence(s)
Bill Cook
Lake Jackson, TX
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Charlie was one of my mentors from 1971 until the day he retired. He was unmatched as the best chloralkali mind Dow Chemical ever possessed.
His technical accomplishments will always be secondary to Charlie as a man. He was kind and soft spoken, but could be firm (and of correct principle) when the situation required.
Charlie also had a great sense of quiet humour that, when applied, made work fun. I will miss that most of all.
Shirley Huber Titsworth
Glenwood, IA
Friday, June 7, 2019
Lucie and family, I am so sorry to hear about Charlie. enjoyed all of the years being neighbors. I will remember all of you in my prayers. Hugs to all of you..
Louis Bauml
LJ, TX
Thursday, June 6, 2019
I had the good fortune to work for Charlie. He was an exceptional person, extremely sharp, pleasant, and
considerate of all.
Jimmy Charles Brown
Clinton, AR
Saturday, June 1, 2019
What a wonderful man..he always took care of us kids at Oyster creek unit 2...hello Lucy...
Shana Harris
Angleton, TX
Friday, May 31, 2019
I had the honor of taking care of Mrs Golden a few years back as her nurse. I recall Mr Golden by her side every step of the way. He fought back tears when she was in pain and sometimes his tears just fell. The Golden's love was that of a fairy tale ❤️ Mrs Golden, May you have peace knowing that you have been able to experience the greatest love possible here on earth!