Ascension "John" Soto

Ascension “John” Soto, 82, of Ballinger passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2014 at his residence.

He was born February 2, 1932 in Talpa, Texas to Felix and Julia (Estrada) Soto. John was a member of the United States Army from 1952-1954. He married Mary Gaitan on June 21, 1952 in Rowena, TX and they shared 62 wonderful years together. John was a farmer in the Rowena area for his entire life. He was a member of the San Antonio VFW and a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

John is survived by his wife; sons, Gilbert Soto of Austin, William Soto of San Angelo; daughter, Mary Owens of Ballinger; grandchildren Christopher Henry of San Antonio, Jennifer Flores of Ballinger, Gilbert Allen Soto of Afghanistan, Jon Robert Soto of Ballinger, Stephanie Lynn Soto of Ballinger; brothers, Felix Rico of San Antonio and Joel Rico of Hurst; sisters, Helen Rico of Ballinger, Minnie Flynn of San Angelo, and Monica Reed of San Angelo. He is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren.

Rosary will be recited at 6:00 pm on Friday, September 12 at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 13 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena with Fr. Ariel Lagunilla celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Rowena.

The family requests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society or a favorite charity.