Louis Rafael Molina MD
(August 27, 1956 - July 26, 2009)

Louis Rafael Molina, MD., 52, loving husband and devoted father, died suddenly on July 16, 2009. He was born August 27, 1956, in Havana, Cuba, the eldest son of Dr. Rafael Evencio Molina and the late Maria Rodriquez Molina. He came to the United States with his parents at age six living in Miami, Florida. At age 10, Dr. Molina came to Huntington, WV. He graduated from St. Joseph's Catholic High School where he excelled in multiple sports earning All State accolades in basketball and baseball. He then attended Marshall University in preparation for a career in medicine. At Marshall, he volunteered in student government as a member of the Senate and later as a Chief Justice of the student court, as well as serving on multiple student/faculty committees. He was a very proud member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity where he continued to maintain several life long friendships. Upon graduation he started his life long dream of being a physician by attending the Marshall University School of Medicine and graduated in 1984.

He completed a Urology Residency at the University of Miami, Jacksonville, Florida, in the same training program his father had completed in 1966. After his urology residency, Dr. Molina returned to Huntington and began his urological practice on July 1, 1989 at Hoffman Urological Clinic with his father, Dr. Rafael E Molina and Dr. Harold N Kagan. He stayed in private practice until July 1, 2005, at which time he joined University Physicians and Surgeons, Inc. He was a Professor and Chief of Urology, Department of Surgery, of the Joan C Edwards School of Medicine.

He was a dedicated physician caring very deeply for his patients and had offices in Huntington and Teays Valley. He was a member of the American Medical Society, American Urological Association, West Virginia Medical Society, Cabell County Medical Society and the Urogynecological Society. He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Molina was on staff at Cabell Huntington Hospital, St. Mary's Medical Center, Health South Rehabilitation Hospital of Huntington, Cabell Huntington Surgery Center, VA Medical Center, and CAMC Teays Valley Hospital. While on staff, he participated in leadership roles and was the past Chief of Urology at Cabell Huntington Hospital, and was the current Vice President of Medical Affairs at CAMC Teays Valley Hospital.

Dr. Molina was an avid supporter of Marshall University and served as a team physician. He was an advocate for youth, high school and college soccer in West Virginia and the tri-state area. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Huntington.

Louie is also survived by his loving wife of twenty years, Dawn Ann Voorhis Molina; his children, Alexander Michael, Samantha Ann, Christopher Louis, Nicholas Rafael, and Matthew Douglas Molina; Two brothers, Dr. Manuel and Cheryl Molina of Hurricane, WV, and Dr. Rafael and Amber Molina of Huntington WV; one sister, Maria and Joseph Bronosky; his parents-in-law, Douglas and Patricia Voorhis of New Jersey. His brothers and sisters-in-law Tricia and Joe Siecinski, Doug Voorhis, Robert and Kelli Voorhis, John and Kathy Hegarty all of New Jersey. Also surviving are thirteen nieces and nephews, and the staff of University Urological Associates.

He was a devoted husband and father and cherished his time with his family. When he was not working, he was spending time with his wife and children, whether it was traveling to soccer games or enjoying family time at home. He was a generous, kind person and a great friend. He will be deeply missed by all of those whom he touched.

Funeral liturgy will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Huntington, with Monsignor Lawrence Luciana officiating. Burial will follow at Ridgelawn Memorial Park, Huntington. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Chapman's Mortuary, Huntington. Donations may be made to Marshall University, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.