David Rex Goode, Jr., born in Tampa, Florida December 23, 1920 died January 1, 2009 at his residence. He was the son of Eva May Graham Goode and David Rex Goode, Sr.
He graduated from H. B. Plant High School in 1939and attended the University of Tampa for two years. Rex worked in the drafting department of the Tampa Shipbuilding Company, drawing refrigeration systems for refrigerated storage compartments in destroyer escort ships for the United States Navy from 1940-42. In 1943, he entered the Army, assigned to the 258th Engineer Combat Battalion, Headquarters Company., Ninth Army E.T. O. as draftsman and photographer. He trained at Camp Shelby, Mississippi and in 1944 was shipped overseas.
Rex was attached to Group Headquarters as photographer for recording the history of the crossing of the Rhine River at Wesel, Germany, March 24, 1945, “Operation Flashpoint.”
In 1952, he graduated from Georgia Tech with Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Architecture degrees. He worked for one year in an architect’s office in Corinth, Mississippi before moving to Beaumont in 1953, joining the firm of Stone & Pitts and later the firm of D. E. Steinman and Son. In 1958 he began his private practice and received several design awards for his work.
At Lamar University he taught courses in architecture and later became Director of Campus Planning and University Architect, a position he held from 1975-1986 when he retired from the University. He continued in the private practice of Architecture and Landscape Architecture until his death.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, served on the Board of The Symphony of Southeast Texas, held several offices of The Southeast Texas Chapter of The American Institute of Architecture and the Texas Society of Architects, and he served on the board of the Tyrrell Historical Library Association. He was a 3rd degree Free Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternal order.
Rex was also the associate architect of First United Methodist Church. He designed the Wesley Foundation at Lamar University and a number of other churches in Beaumont and the surrounding area. He was an associate architect for the remodeling of the Julie Rodgers Theater.
His wonderful wife and soul companion for fifty-four years, Ruth, preceded him in death. He is survived by his many friends that knew and loved him.
Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 5, 2009 at Forest Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. A gathering of family and friends will be Sunday evening, January 4, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund, P O Box 3247 Beaumont, Texas 77704; The Symphony of Southeast Texas, 4345 Phelan, Beaumont, Texas 77707; Lamar University’s Ruth and Rex Goode Scholarship Fund, P O Box 10011, Beaumont, Texas 77710; Wesley Foundation Methodist Center at Lamar University, P O Box 10011, Beaumont, Texas 77710; or a charity of choice.
