George Soto, Feb 22, 1933 – June 10, 2023
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death shall be no more,
neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Rev 21:4
Forever in our hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of George Soto into the presence of the Lord, at the age of 90, on June 10, 2023. Born on Feb 22, 1933 to Demetrio and Maria Cuca G Soto, he resided with his parents and older brothers Sammy and Charlie in Dona Ana. As with many, adversity touched his life many times, beginning with the loss of his father. However, even at a young age his caring and responsible character emerged as he and his brothers helped their mother, until she married Victor Garcia, and eventually, two more siblings, Angie and David, were born into the family. Although his family is no longer with us, they’re lineage continues on with many descendants.
As with many young men his age, George served his country by enlisting in1952, during the Korean War. Reaching the rank of Aviation Machinist’s Mate, 3rd Class, United States Navy, he served on aircraft carriers, maintaining and repairing many tactical aircrafts, such as the F9F Panther. His most significant duty assignment was a P.T.#6 (Patrol Torpedo Boat.)
The courage and responsibility he showed at a young age caring for his mother, continued and flourished during his time serving his country. He was honorably discharged in 1956 with a National Defense Service Metal but continued to serve in the United States Navy Reserve until 1960. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he worked the majority of his life at White Sands Missile Range until he retired to a life of leisure.
His marriage in 1957 produced his only two children, Ronald Soto (Robin,) and Elizabeth Soto-Urquhart (Stan,) who survived him, unfortunately, adversity struck again, and the marriage ended. But love reached him once again, with his marriage to Veronica “Betty” Jemente, who also survives him, along with her four children, Jacob Jemente (Sukie), Jerry Jemente (Deborah), Joanna Lucero (Larry), and Jacquie Gutierrez (Jorge).
Although, he is no longer with us, his lineage lives on through his biological children, his grandchildren Suzanne Daily (Larry), Aaron Urquhart, Jon Urquhart (Kellsi), and Micah Urquhart (Kara), and his four great-grandchildren, Willow, Beverly, Charlotte, and Armin. With his marriage to Betty, he was also blessed with the addition of not only her four children, but also many grandchildren, including Renee Jemente, Veronica Baca (Felipe), Alex Gutierrez (Jordyn), Ericka Gutierrez, Gabriel Lucero, Christopher Lucero (Lauren), Cameron Lucero and many more. As well as many great-grandchildren including Kamille, Kalei, Jayden, Jayce, Jax, and Savanna J. Looking back through memories via photos, you can always see the joy on his face at how grateful he was to be surrounded by so much love.
Blessed with a full life, he loved so many, and in turn was loved by so many. He loved God, family, friends, crossword puzzles, reading, traveling, golf, winning at pool, bowling, dancing; and up until the time he was no longer able, he loved being a member of both The Elks Lodge and The Moose Lodge. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, godfather, mentor and friend. He’ll forever be in our hearts.
Services will be held at St. Genevieve’s Catholic Church on Saturday, August 26, 2023 beginning with Eulogy at 11:30am, Rosary at 12:00pm. followed by a Memorial Mass at 12:30 pm. Burial with Navy/Military Honors will take place at 1:30pm at St. Joseph’s Cemetery
Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E. Bowman Ave. Las Cruces, NM 88001. Please visit www.getzcares.com to sign the local online guest book.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George Soto, please visit our
Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
