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Christopher Soto Obituary
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The son of Arthur and Barbara Soto, Chris grew up in Tucson Arizona. He was the oldest of four brothers, including David, Scott, and Nick. Born May 28, 1952, Chris attended Rincon High School where he graduated in 1970. He received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy "Best Alive" class of 1975. Chris earned a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in history, and was commissioned a second lieutenant upon graduation.
Chris distinguished himself in various assignments during his 25-year career, during which he received the Cheney Award and Airman's Medal for Heroism from the Secretary of the Air Force. Chris retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2000 and then from defense contracting in 2020.
His hobbies included challenging the local pros in racquetball, reading Clancy-style techno-thriller
novels, engaging robo-callers, taking family vacations, improving their rural Virginia land, and sunbathing on Mexico beaches. Watching their children develop and grow, Chris and Jan recognized the importance of helping all children who needed a forever home and acted upon that belief by fostering and adopting many. He stood up for those kids, gave them opportunities to heal, encouraged their dreams, and taught them to honor family. His boys remember him saying, "We're the thorns and Mom's the rose. We protect the rose."
Chris is survived by Jan, his wife of 44 years; their children Adam T. Soto (Becky), Chrisjan C. Soto, Mica E. Soto, Crissy D. Lowe, Delzar A. Soto, Denesha T. Saul (Brian), Darrell C. Soto, Genesis B. Soto,
DeWayne N. Soto, Malaysia R. Soto, Renato H. Soto (Nora); and 21 grandchildren.
Services will be held on Monday, November 04, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at First Baptist
Church of Woodbridge, located at 13600 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge, VA 22193. Flowers may be sent to the First Baptist Church of Woodbridge or in lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be welcomed at the charity of your choice.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Christopher, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Lexiclark
June 24, 2025
I just saw this. My condolences to his wife and family. Chris was such a upstanding person that I only knew in high school but he made an impression on me. What caught my eye is that my husband's mom passed away the exact same way as Chris. My husband has had 2 brain aneurysm strokes. He is still alive but requires a lot of my caregiving. I was thinking about the 1970s graduates from Rincon high school and feeling nostalgic. And that's how I came upon Chris Soto's story. I hope you're all doing well. And God bless you all. I'm happy to have four high school years with all of you. I have great memories of everyone.
Luanne Lane
November 21, 2024
I will surely miss his jovial disposition. I was connected with he, his extended family (and YOU KNOW it was a HUGE family). PLUS his friends . Chris was one of my biggest cheerleaders. If you knew Chris, you know that he traveled for work a lot! He just loved booking his travel with Miss Luanne :) and I always enjoyed speaking with him too. I've come to know and love all of the Sotos, even if all I did was book an airline ticket for them. What Chris and Jan have done over the years for children who needed someone like them, it's simply inspiring. I'm proud to call your family mine too.
The world has lost an amazing soul. You were one of my very fun travel clients Chris. I will miss your joy. May you rest in peace my friend.
Sheridan Walker
November 8, 2024
Well done, Chris! Welcome home.
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Fred Moreno
November 6, 2024
I grew up playing little league and high school baseball with Chris. Chris was an all-star in baseball and in life.
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