Charles Melvin Sojka, Sr, “Mel”, age 78, passed away peacefully May 12, 2025 at Willis Knighton hospital surrounded by family after a short illness. Mel was born on June 1, 1946 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late William Melvin Sojka and the late Beverly Rae Burnett Mitchell.
He graduated from Woodlawn High School and attended Northwestern State University. During recent years he also attended several seminary classes to learn as much as he could about the Bible. He was proud of his heritage. He was 50% Czechoslovakian and had heritage as a native American as well. Mel was known for his willingness to serve others. He enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 19 and served his country for four years. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country another 37 years as both active duty and through the Air Force reserves. In addition to his military service, he served in his church in various roles throughout his life including being a deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir member, and Training Union teacher.
He was proficient on computers and machines. He was a career machinist at various companies while serving in the Air Force reserves. His favorite hobby was his role as a HAM radio operation (call signal KD5DE). Prior to becoming a HAM radio operator, he also enjoyed CB radios and morse code. He was always ahead of his time with technology and became an internet service provider in the 1990’s and enjoyed building computers as well. He also loved music and was quite a talented musician. He played the clarinet in the band in high school and was self-taught in the guitar, harmonica, and dulcimer. He also sang in a men’s quartet.
As a teenager, he met a beautiful girl with blonde hair and green eyes who was known for her talents on the piano. To him, it was love at first sight. But he had just one obstacle to overcome, she was on a date with another boy. He was never known for backing down from a challenge. He built up the courage to ask her out on a date in front of the boy she was dating. She accepted and said to meet her on Wednesday night at 6:00 PM at an unfamiliar address. That address was the address to Southside Baptist Church and when he arrived, he realized that she had invited him to church. That blonde haired girl became the love of his life and eventually led him to dedicate his life to Jesus Christ. In August of 1966, he married Betty Louise Ames and they were happily married for 50 years until she became ill and passed away in 2016. Since that time, he has missed her deeply and has looked forward to reuniting with her for eternity in heaven.
Mel is survived by his children, Cassandra Wages (Tim), Charles Sojka (Sabrina), Robert Sojka (Stephanie), and Kristina Chadwick (Chris); 13 grandchildren, Alex Smith, Audrey Wages, Halie Sojka, Leslie Dubose, Chase Sojka, Ryan Sojka, Brandon Sojka, Peyton Sojka, John Sojka, Clayton Sojka, Walker Chadwick, Wyatt Chadwick, and Whitley Chadwick; eight great-grandchildren; his brother, Steve Sojka; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mel was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Ames Sojka; his father, William Sojka; his mother, Beverly Rae Burnett Mitchell; his step-father, Fred Mitchell; his step-mother, Yvonne Sojka; and his sister, Janet Beth Montgomery. Mel will be remembered for his ability to make people laugh and his willingness to serve others.
Funeral services will be held Monday May 19, 2025 at 12 pm at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home. The family will greet friends at 11 am on May 19, 2025 at Centuries Memorial.
Honoring Mel as pallbearers will be Alex Smith, Chase Sojka, Ryan Sojka, Peyton Sojka, John Sojka, Clayton Sojka, Walker Chadwick, and Wyatt Chadwick.
