A native of El Paso, Dr. Soulé (“Dr. John” as he was long since christened by his patients) graduated from Eastwood High School in 1975, and Baylor University in 1979. Dr. Soulé graduated with honors from Baylor College of Medicine in 1983, and completed his residency in internal medicine at the Medical College of Virginia (Richmond, VA). Following a short stint as an internist in Houston, Dr. Soulé hung out his shingle in Victoria in 1989. His beloved partner-in-life of nearly 25 years, Kathryn Custer RN FNP joined him in the practice in 2009.
Dr. Soulé had a mutual love affair with his adopted home town. An esteemed member of the local medical community, Dr. Soulé served as President of the Victoria County Medical Society in 2003, and Chief of Staff of Citizens Medical Center from 2003 to 2005.
Known for his suspenders, cowboy boots, strong opinions, and flamboyant ties, Dr. Soulé was a valued colleague and beloved MD. He was fierce in his care and service to all who crossed his path, personally and professionally. As he meant to be, he was the very model of service to others, a loving and committed physician.
Passionate about history, Dr. Soulé had a special interest in World War II battles, and old westerns and war movies. Not surprisingly, he was fascinated by modest but strong heroes, from sheriffs to soldiers. Sunday gatherings with family often found him insisting that others again watch his favorites with him, including “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Lilies of the Field.” He leaves us as his heroes often did, riding off before we can even grasp how much we’ll miss him.
In addition to Kathy Custer, Dr. Soulé leaves us his beloved son, Nicholas, North Carolina; and stepson, Layne Custer (Kristen) San Marcos; his parents, Charles Sr. and Carolina, Victoria; his siblings, Charles Jr. (Patricia), New York; Michael, Houston; and Carole, Danbury, CA; 11 nieces and nephews; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins; and grandnieces and grandnephews throughout Texas and the US.
Among so many, we wish to offer special thanks and blessings to Dr. Mehran Nezhad, Dr. Bob Harvey, Dr. Khiem Vu and Dr. Andrew Clemmons, to Elliott Costas, to Brandi Fauth RN, to our beloved office staff Gaby Lefferts and Maria Hernandez, and to Dr. Vu’s very caring office staff, for the many loving ways in which they’ve eased his path and ours in these past weeks.
Dr. Soulé was predeceased by his grandparents, Jesús and Carolina Bencomo, and Carlos and Consuelo Soulé; his aunts, Lucila Soulé Santiesteban, Maria Bencomo Bárcena, and Julieta Saucedo Bencomo; his uncles, Robert Santiesteban, Fernando Soulé, Ronald Perryman, Guillermo Bárcena, José Bencomo, and José Santos; his cousins Robert Santos, Peggy Santiesteban, James Santiesteban, Hortencia Bárcena Fernández; and his nephew, Charles R. Soulé III.
The family will receive friends and share memories on Friday, April 6, 2018 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Colonial Funeral Home, 1801 E. Red River St. in Victoria. A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 am on Saturday, April 7, 2018 followed by the Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral, 1309 E Mesquite Ln, Victoria, TX 77901.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Harbor Hospice, 5606 N Navarro St., Ste 306, Victoria, TX 77904 or www.harborhospice.com.
Memories may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com.
