Juan R. Soto, 98, widower of Mary R. Soto, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday night, August 9, 2023, at his residence in San Antonio Texas. He was born on November 28, 1924, in San Antonio Texas, a son of the late Petra R. Soto and Tomas R. Soto.

Juan left school in the 7th grade to help support his mother, often taking on several jobs at once to help support the ones he loved. He was a jack of all trades, making him an excellent resource for the employers he worked for. He was employed as a plumber for the San Antonio Independent School District until his life moved in another direction. In the 1980s he and the family moved to Michigan where they lived for the next 16 years. While in Michigan he served as the maintenance supervisor at Holland, Michigan City Hall. Ultimately, he would return home to San Antonio for retirement.

Juan was an avid wrestling fan and would often attend live matches. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, fishing, telling stories, cooking, baking, and dancing. He will be remembered for so much like his trademark were his golf caps and hats. As a son he was respectful and attentive, always caring for his mother and family. As a husband, he was protective, always valuing the needs of his wife above his own. As a father he was always present and actively involved. As a grandfather, he was playful and supportive, going the extra mile to bring a smile to those he loved faces.

In addition to his wife of 77 years, Mary Rincon Soto, and his parents Petra and Tomas Soto, he is also preceded in death by his grandson, Tommy Soto Jr, great grandson, Tommy James Soto, and a daughter in law, Anjelita Soto.

Family members include his children, Mary Sandoval (Salvador), Johnny Soto Jr (Angelita), Tommy Soto (Ruth), Richard Soto (Elizabeth), and Sandra Ybarra (Guadalupe); 11 grandchildren, Gene and Felicia Sandoval, John and Dawn Soto, Mark Ybarra, Gabriel and Elaine Soto, Annalisa and Greg Brockhouse, Ricardo Soto, April Soto, Monica Ybarra, Margie Sandoval, Evonne and Colin Dlugosh, and TJ Soto; 17 great-grandchildren; sister in laws, Aurora Rincon Merryman (Jim) and Yolanda Rincon Jennings; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive guests on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm for visitation and at 6:00 pm for a Rosary Service at Castillo Funeral Home.

A funeral mass will be conducted on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 9:30 am in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Burial will follow at San Fernando Cemetery III.