Larry G. Soto

Larry G. Soto, a member of the Cocopah Tribe, passed away on April 7, 2011, in Tucson, Arizona after a prolonged illness.
Larry was born on November 15, 1949, in Yuma, Arizona. A graduate of Kofa High School, he went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army. After his tour of duty, in Vietnam, where he earned the Purple Heart , and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, he returned home and pursued various interests until finally deciding to continue his education and eventually becoming a silversmith. In his later years, he enjoyed listening to music and making gourds for traditional singing.
Larry enjoyed life, embraced what life dealt him and accepted that his time here would be short.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Toni C. Soto; grandparents, Frank and Margie Soto; uncles, Bravie and Reynaldo (Ronnie) Soto; aunts, Ida Estrada and Rosie Soto.
He is survived by his daughters, Laura Soto Thomas, Lisa Esquerra, and Lydia Soto; son, Lawrence G. Soto; grandchildren, Ashley Hart, Boston and Benecio Esquerra; sister, Sherry Cordova; brothers, Roderick Ramirez, Jeff Martinez; uncle, Colin Soto as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Pallbearers are Marcos Soto, Isaac Soto, Roderick C. Ramirez, Edward Ramirez, Justin Cachora and Michael Campos.
Honorary Pallbearers are Colin Soto, Jeff Martinez, Roderick Ramirez, Paul Soto, Frank Soto, Kermit Palmer, Rudi Hayes, Bennie Davis, Irwin Twist and Dennis Wellard.
Viewing will be at 2:00pm, with services at 3:00pm at Funeraria Del Angel, on Wednesday, April 13, 2011. Immediately following will be tribal services at West Cocopah Cry House, cremation will be at 5:00am, on Thursday, April 14, 2011.
Please sign the guestbook at www.yumasun.com/obituaries.