Benjamin Mojica

Benjamin C Mojica, age 79, passed peacefully into the arms of Lord our Savior Sunday morning January 28, 2024 in his home in Cleveland, Texas, after a year and a half battling with cancer. Benjamin was born on his Hancock family farm on September 6, 1944 to Wenselado “Charlie” Mojica and Guadalupe ‘Lupe” Couturier Mojica of Lamesa Texas. He attended Lamesa School until 8th grade, then worked on his family’s farm. Ben enlisted in the U.S. Navy on October 11, 1961 at the age 18. Ben served his country during the Vietnam War.  He served on the USS Oriskany (CV/CVA-34) Carrier Division #1 North Island San Diego, California, initially trained as an aircraft gunner, then served in the boiler room. After his service in the U.S. Navy, Ben then joined the Army National Guard’s Airborne Division on August 16, 1965, where he received a commission for completing Jump School Parachute training.  Once he retired from the military, Ben worked as an electrician and welder in the refinery and steel industry until he retired. He was a very loving, gracious husband; giving, strong-willed father; and kind grandpa, great grandpa, brother and friend. Ben was quite the storyteller and especially enjoyed telling stories of his childhood to his children and grandchildren. Ben was an enthusiastic fisherman (caught 8lb 203. rabbit fish caught on mullet head 04/28/95 was exciting that night), hunting and cooking, and had a strong preference for serrano and jalapeno peppers. His other hobbies included leather making, making fishing poles, and construction. He enjoyed reading, dancing, traveling and gardening with his wife. He never met a stranger; they would eventually become friends. Throughout his life, Ben always looked out for other servicemen and women, making sure they were aware of the benefits they rightly deserved. Towards the end of his life, he could be found enjoying small talk with other vets and staff at the VA Hospital Houston, beaming with pride and respect for his family’s accomplishments.

Preceded in Death by Brothers: Jose Mojica, Julian Mojica, Demtrio Mojica, and Santos Mojica; parents Wenselado C and Guadalupe Mojica and son-in-law, Emil Edward Havelka. He survived by his wife of 23 years Glenda Kemp Mojica; sister in law Linda(Budd) Inman; brother in law Kenneth(Barbara) Kemp; daughters Michelle Mojica, Deanna M. Havelka, Melissa M. Henderson; his son, De’Mel Benjamin (Christina) Mojica, and their mother, Frances Suniga Mojica; grandchildren- Anthony P (Kelli) Henderson, Asher Z (Rebecca) Havelka, Eva Grace Ross Mojica, and Lyra Mae Adamson Mojica; great grandchildren - Abel J Henderson, Niko A Henderson, Grayson A Havelka, and Liam E Havelka; and numerous nieces & nephews, great nieces & great nephews from his siblings.

Services will be held on February 7th, 2024 at 10:15 am at Houston National Cemetery 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77038.