Robert Cardenas Molina

Robert Cardenas Molina was born in Edna, Texas on September 25, 1927. After a lengthy illness, Robert entered Heaven's gates on May 15, 2022 welcomed by his loving wife of 66 years, Rosey Molina; father and mother, Robert Molina Sr. and Victoria Molina; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Onesimo and Cecilia Abrego, and his grandson, David Foreman Molina.

A hard-working man, Robert was a dedicated husband, father, and soldier who loved his family and country. Not only was he a loving husband and father, he was a loving grandfather and great-grandfather. Robert and Rosey had an unwavering faith in God through which they found the strength and courage to sacrifice for their family so that they could be successful and happy. Robert was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Orange.

Upon the urging of his mother and father who wanted him to better himself, Robert enlisted in the United States Army in December 1945. He received an honorable discharge in August 1947 as Master Sergeant. He enlisted as a member of the Texas National Guard in June 1950. He became a full-time technician in the Texas National Guard in May 1953. He served proudly as member of the 82nd Airborne Unit where he grew his passion as a paratrooper. He was initially based in Edna, Texas until he was transferred to Orange, Texas in 1966. He transferred to Houston until his return in 1981. His final transfer was to Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas where he served in the Adjutant General’s Office until his retirement in September 1987 as Commander Sergeant Major serving 35 years in the Texas National Guard and additional 3 years in the United States Army.

Robert is survived by his son Robert Molina III and his wife Sherry of League City; daughter Mary Ann Turner and her husband Max of Montgomery; daughter Patricia Sue Fisher and her husband Harold of League City; son David Paul Molina and his wife Darlie of Fannett; son Michael and his wife Patti of Willis, and son Joseph Gregory Molina of Jasper and his dog Hunny Bear. He is also survived by numerous grand, great-grand, and great-great grandchilden and by numerous nieces, nephews and other family.

Pallbearers will be his sons Robert, David, Michael, and Joseph and grandchildren Cole Parish and Christopher Fisher. Grandsons Robert Molina IV and Michael Molina and nephew Danny Molina will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends and family on Monday, May 23, 2022 from 9:30 - 11:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi in Orange. A Christian wake and rosary service will be at 10:15 AM. A Catholic funeral mass service celebrating his life will follow at 11:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Orange, Texas. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Mausoleum in Orange. The services will be livestreamed on the St. Francis of Assisi Church Facebook website. The link is https://www.facebook.com/st.francis.church.orange .

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Rosey and Robert Molina Jr. Memorial Scholarship fund for graduating St. Francis of Assisi seniors; the St. Francis of Assisi Church Restoration Fund; and the Wounded Warrior Project.

Robert’s son, David and wife Darlie provided Robert with loving care during the final years of his life. The family gives them and everyone else who cared for Robert their greatest gratitude, especially the Pelican Bay Assisted Living Community of Beaumont and the Beaumont Health Care Center.

“Be not afraid. I go before you always. Come follow Me. And I shall give you rest.” (Bob Dufford, S.J., a Catholic Hymn)