Deborah Ann Kalbow

Deborah Ann “Debbie” Golden Kalbow, 73, of Riesel, passed away peacefully in her home Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 22, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 23, at 10:00 a.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, with graveside services to follow.

Debbie was born February 12, 1952, in Waco, to Othell Cecil Golden and Mary Frances Golden. She was a lifelong educator with a deep love for learning and service. Debbie attended University High School and went on to graduate from Baylor University, earning her degree in Education. She began her teaching career at Lorena High School, later teaching at Waco High School, and ultimately finishing her career at Riesel High School. Even after retirement, Debbie continued to serve students and schools by substituting in various local school districts, a testament to her dedication to education and her love for working with young people.

Debbie was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Riesel, where she faithfully served for many years. She shared her musical talents by playing the piano and was actively involved in the church’s youth department, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives through her faith, kindness, and quiet leadership.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Othell Cecil Golden and Mary Frances Golden.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband, Kenneth Kalbow; her son, Kevin Kalbow; her stepdaughter, Leslie Bates, her husband, Allan, and their son, Clayton; her stepson, Michael Wayne Kalbow, and his wife, April; and her brother, Richard Golden, and his wife, Debbie; their children, Brent Golden, Shannon Meschnark, her husband, James and children, and Kyndra Golden and her daughter.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Barto, Michael Grote, Allen Beats, Michael Wayne Kalbow and Brandon Cope,

The family requests that memorial donations be made to your favorite charitable organization.

Deborah’s family invites you to share a message or memories in her "Memorial Guestbook" online at www.WHBfamily.com.