John Gail Golden, age 79 of Maryville, IL, formerly of Decatur, IL, born August 29, 1944 in Washington, MO, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his family.

John loved his Lord Jesus and sharing life with family and friends.  He found much joy in supporting his grandkids' activities in person and from afar.  John loved spending time with family and friends playing games, fishing, golfing, cheering for the baseball Cardinals, rooting for Illini basketball, and serving meals at church and home.

He retired after 40+ years of service as a radiology manager having worked for St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis, MO and  Decatur Memorial Hospital.  In retirement, John cherished "mannying" for three of his grandkids' for several years.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Ranie and Viola (nee Hackman) Golden; two brothers:  Harold Cecil Golden and Roscoe Ranie Golden.

Surviving are his loving wife, Jeanette (nee Cooper) Golden, whom he married June 4, 1965; beloved children:  Bradley (Theresa) Golden of Colorado Springs, CO; Sarah (Gordon) Gregory of Maryville, IL; and Stephanie Golden-Briscoe of Decatur, IL; and eight dearest grandchildren:  Briana (Terence) Copeland, Tabitha Golden, Lydia Golden, Gabriel Scott, Sadie (Aidan Williams) Scott, Elliot Briscoe, Lanie Briscoe and Dylan Elise Briscoe.

At John's request, his body will be donated to the Washington University School of Medicine for the advancement of science.

His family extends heartfelt thanks to the medical staff at BJC Hospital, Washington University, Siteman Cancer Center, and Oliver Anderson Hospital.

A 2 p.m. visitation will precede a 3 p.m. memorial service on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Grace Methodist Church, 901 N. Main Street, Decatur, IL.

Memorials may be made in John's honor to First Baptist Church of Collinsville, IL and Grace Methodist Church of Decatur, and will be received at or mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.