Robert "Rob" Woodley Golden

Robert “Rob” Woodley Golden, age 87, of Philippi, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, December 13, 2025. He was born July 3, 1938, in Barbour County, a son of the late Murl Clayton Golden and Virginia Mae (Woodley) Golden.

Rob was a proud patriot who served his country in the United States Army with the 101st Airborne Division, stationed in Germany. A hard worker his entire life, he retired from Youngstown Sheet and Tube in Youngstown, Ohio, but retirement never slowed him down. He went on to serve his community as a deputy with the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department before eventually returning home to Belington.

Back in Barbour County, Rob worked for the West Virginia Department of Highways and later became a familiar and trusted face as a school bus driver for Barbour County Schools. He took pride in looking after others and was always willing to lend a hand.

Rob loved the outdoors and the freedom it brought him. He enjoyed hunting, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with friends around a pool table—where many knew him as a true pool shark. He valued brotherhood and fellowship and was a longtime member of Bigelow Lodge #52 A.F. & A.M., American Legion Post #29, and VFW Post #410.

He is survived by one daughter, Kim Corley and her family; his loving companion, Karen Jean Weaver; his brothers Murl “Buzz” Golden Jr. and wife June, Danny Golden, Benjamin “Benny” Golden, and Carl Golden; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will remember him with love and fond memories.

In addition to his parents, Rob was preceded in death by his brother Harry Golden and his sisters Gloria Dean and Betty Golden.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Vernon Memorial Cemetery, with Pastor David Shelton officiating. Bigelow Lodge #52 A.F. & A.M. will conduct graveside rites, and military honors will be accorded by the United States Army and American Legion Post #96.