Cecil B. Goen, Jr.

Cecil B. Goen, Jr., 91, beloved husband, father, papa, and great grandfather, passed away on Thursday, October 13th in New Carlisle, IN.  Cecil was born June 28, 1925 in Montrose, IL to Clara and Cecil B. Goen, Sr.  He was raised in Osceola, IN with his brothers, Jack, Leroy and William, and was a graduate of Mishawaka High School.  On June 30, 1951, he married the love of his life, Betty K. Saltsman, in Renovo, PA.  Together, they raised three children in South Bend.  Over the years, he worked for the Ballband and Bendix Corporations, eventually retiring from Reese Products in Elkhart.  A meticulous draftsman, Cecil designed homes in the Clay Township/ South Bend area for a number of years.  Gifted with a burly bass, he sang in a local quartet, and served as a music director at Calvary Baptist Church, South Bend.  He also served as a substitute preacher at Grace Baptist Church and shared his love of the Lord by teaching Sunday school.  He was a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church upon his passing.

Cecil was a history buff, especially when it came to aviation, and he passed that love to his children and grandchildren.  Family vacations were always an educational opportunity, even if it was Las Vegas - - Utah.  He loved to travel, and enjoyed many trips to the west coast over the years.  By far, his favorite vacation was the land and sea adventure in Alaska.  His favorite meal was breakfast, and he and Betty were known as "regulars" at many local restaurants where the waitresses regaled in his long repertoire of jokes.

In addition to his wife of 65 years Betty, Cecil leaves to cherish his memory his brother, William (Diana) of Gresham, Oregon; son Stephen (Julie) of South Bend and their children, Christopher of Wichita, KS & Erich of Valdosta, GA; son David (Starlene) of Indianapolis, his children David Jr. of Mishawaka & Rosita of South Bend; and beloved daughter Shelly Vanett (Michael Boyer) of South Bend.  Additionally, Cecil was blessed with one great-granddaughter, Aubri, also of South Bend, 4 step grandchildren, 9 step great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Tuesday, October 18th at 11:00am at Palmer Funeral Home -River Park with Pastor Joe Risinger presiding.  Visitation will be held Monday, October 17th from 4:00pm-7:00pm, and one hour before Tuesday's service.  Interment will be at Southlawn Cemetery in South Bend.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, 230 W. Catalpa Drive, Suite D, Mishawaka, IN.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the nursing staff at Hamilton Grove, Molly and Andrew on the 9th floor and April (May, June ) on the 11th floor of Memorial Hospital, and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care. 

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion FOREVER. Psalm 73:26.

What a beautiful journey Dad!

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