Minister Michael Wilson Golder's Obituary
Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, Michael Wilson Golder, at age 76, transitioned from this earthly realm under a Full Snow Moon, Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 12:02am after a short four days at Allenmore Hospital and after years waging a valiant battle against vascular dementia.
Michael Wilson Golder was born on June 28, 1948, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to parents Army Maj. Julius Brinson Golder and Doris Ruth (Tanner) Golder, who preceded him in death. He was the second of ten children.
Michael is survived by his beautiful, loving and devoted wife and helpmate, Deborah Ann (Frazier) Golder, affectionately known as Dale. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on November 28, 2024. Michael is also survived by his awesome son and caregiver, Anthony James Golder, who will carry on his legacy. Another beloved son, David Earl Golder, preceded him in death and awaited to greet him in Heaven, along with their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Michael became a born-again believer on June 29, 1986, as a dedicated member of By His Word Christian Center in Tacoma, WA, under Pastor Jann T. Butler. He was ordained as a minister on June 20, 1993, and shortly thereafter founded Golder’s Evangelistic Ministries. In his pre-teen years, he joined Second Christian Church (now Light of The World Christian Church) in Indianapolis, IN, and was baptized upon his confession and belief in Jesus Christ. Pastor Dr. T. Garrott Benjamin, Jr. was instrumental in encouraging, educating, and blessing Minister Golder as he strived to do the will of God.
Michael's education spanned Indianapolis Elementary Schools as well as military-dependent schools in Germany, France, and Okinawa. He graduated from Lakes High School and earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Ft. Steilacoom Community College (now Pierce College) in Lakewood, WA. His employment journey included positions at Tacoma Boatbuilding Co., AK-WA Ship Repair Co., Fidelity Finance, Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, and Greer Steel. He retired as a Boilermaker State Certified Welder/Fitter from J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp., Tacoma's oldest shipyard, which closed in July 2014. The F/V Northern Leader in Kodiak, Alaska, was the last boat he proudly worked on in June 2013. At the time, it was one of the largest and most innovative vessels built in the U.S. in 20 years!
Michael held a first-degree black belt in Karate and was a member of the Northwest Taekwondo Association under Grandmaster Chung Sun Do. He was also a published author of “By My Spirit” (Volume One), which contains over 300 poems inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. Michael dedicated his book of poems to the memory of his son David Golder, with special thanks to his friend Daryl Hall for helping him get it to the publisher.
Michael and his wife, Dale, were dedicated volunteers with the Raising Girls Organization, addressing hygiene insecurity and period poverty by providing essential products to students and young adults in the Puget Sound area. Michael could often be found stocking shelves, delivering care bags to schools, shopping for items, and stamping envelopes for inspirational cards. His last Raising Girls outing was on December 12, 2024, with Dale and Raising Girls Founder and CEO, Sharon Chambers-Gordon.
Michael leaves to cherish his memory his son, Anthony James Golder (Trish Behnke-Udy); granddaughter, Whisper Rain Benger-Golder (Brian Shaffer); grandson, Brayden David Golder (mother Michelle); and great-granddaughter, Aaliah Shaffer. He is also survived by his brothers and sister: William Brinson Golder (Diane), Robert, Jerry, and Donna; aunt Geraldine; nieces and nephew: Tamara Morris Sanders, Jennifer Wilson, LaRea Mychel White, Aramis Johnson; Anthony’s friend James King, Jr.; and a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his uncle Everett Coleman Golder, Jr.; brothers: Richard and Barry Golder, and Roger Earl Wilson (Glenda); and sisters: Debra Golder and Marcia Diane Golder Bennett.
One thing Michael would often say to his lovely wife Dale, even in the late stages of his illness, was “Did I tell you I love you today?” Let us remember to tell someone we love them today.
Michael will be greatly missed, and his heart and memory will live on within us. We believe that Michael the Archangel himself made a personal journey to escort Michael to his Heavenly Home, where the streets paved with gold run past the pearly gates. Rest in peace, my love.
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