Golden Watkins "Thompson" Koonce

Golden Koonce ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Browning Funeral Home - Evansville on Mar. 17, 2026.Golden Watkins (Thompson) Koonce, 88, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026 at Heritage Center.Golden was born in Owensboro, Kentucky on April 22, 1937 to the late Charles Everett and Thelma (Watkins) Thompson. She graduated from Central High School in 1954 where she later served on the reunion committee. Golden dedicated 33 years of service in the Pediatric Unit as a secretary at Deaconess Hospital. Even after her retirement, she continued to give her time as a volunteer at Deaconess Hospice. She was a faithful member of Oakhill Baptist Church. Golden was also actively involved in the community as a member of the Southern Hollow Dulcimer Group, Red Hat Society and the Evansville Philharmonic Guild, and she served as an usher at the Center and Victory Theatre.Golden is survived by her daughter, Amy Koonce of Evansville, IN; son, Bill Crowe (Joy Nelson) of Evansville, IN and Arthur Koonce (Lori) of Evansville, IN; sister-in-law, Diane Thompson of Evansville, IN; grandchildren, Jodie Crowe (Craig) of Texas, Andrew Koonce, Aaron Koonce and Anna Koonce all of Evansville, IN and Jacob Duke of Nashville, TN; great grandchildren, Charles Crowe of Evansville, IN and Chase Crowe of Texas.Golden was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Larry Koonce; her parents; brother, Charles Thompson, Jr.; grandson, Chad Crowe; and great granddaughter, Alyssa Crowe.A celebration of Golden's life will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, March 23, 2026 at Browning Funeral Home, 738 Diamond Ave., Evansville, IN 47711 with Rev. Jim Nelson officiating. Burial will follow at Locust Hill Cemetery.Friends may visit from 10:00 am until service time on Monday, March 23, 2026 at Browning Funeral Home.Memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.The family sincerely thanks the Heritage Center for the kindness and compassion shown in caring for Golden.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.