Master Sergeant Enrique “Henry” V. Godina, 78, of Lumberton, beloved husband, loving father and grandfather, passed away peacefully after a short illness, surrounded by the ones he laughed with, lived for, and truly loved - his children, on Monday, April 18, 2016, at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, Beaumont. He was born on March 2, 1938, in Canitas, Mexico, to Francisca Varela Godina and Jesus Godina, and was a longtime resident of Beaumont.
At an early age, Henry’s parents migrated and settled in the “Valley of Texas”, Harlingen, Texas. Because of his family’s financial hardships, he joined the United States Air Force at the age of seventeen, and shortly thereafter transferred to the United States Army, where he trained in the Airborne Division, which later was to become his life long career.
While on leave, Henry went to a dance in Port Arthur with some friends and met his lifelong love, Marcie. They would start a home in Beaumont and fill it with children. Knowing that he needed more of an education to move up; he went to Lamar Institute of Technology and received his Associate’s degree. From then on Henry understood the value of an education.
On June 23, 2006, after fifty-one years of service to our great country and the great state of Texas (having served in the United States Air Force, United States Army, The Texas National Guard, and The United States Army Reserve), Henry retired honorably. His great loves and loyalties were always to God first, our great country, and to his family. Henry retired with his wife, Marcie, in Lumberton, Texas.
He was very active in almost any sports his sons participated in - especially football. He coached Junior Cardinal League football, helped coach baseball, and was a very active member of Cristo Rey Catholic Church. His legacy to his children and grandchildren has always been to be honest, reach the highest level of education possible - so they could be leaders, work hard and reach for the stars.
Henry is survived his children, Frank Godina and his wife, Loretta; Anna Saldana and her husband, Albert; Juanita Domingue; Ernie Godina and his wife, Mary; Anthony Godina and son/brother, Manuel Godina; thirteen grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Marcelina "Chelina" Godina, the love of his life.
A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, April 21, 2016, with a gathering of Mr. Godina’s family and friends to follow until 8:00 p.m., at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 22, 2016, at Cristo Rey Catholic Church, 767 Avenue A, Beaumont, with his interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.
