On the morning of November 10th, our dad, Hector Vicente Soto, Sr., at the age of 88, was called to his heavenly home to reunite with his wife, Maria Estella Soto, who preceded him in death by a mere 50 days and whom he dearly missed. It brings a smile to our face, picturing them together once again, dancing to one of his favorite “danzónes.” In heaven, he was also reunited with his parents, Domingo and Mariana and his sister Aurora.
He was married to Estella for 50 years, together they raised their children, Claudia Estela Villarreal (her husband Gilbert), Hector Soto, Jr. (his wife Jessica and her sons Wessley & Hunter) and Veronica Maria Perez (her husband Elias). He is also survived by his daughter Sandra Soto of California. However, the pride and joy of his life were his grandchildren, Daniel and Elizabeth.
He was a man of great stature, but his Catholic faith and devotion were greater. He was devoted to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and at Holy Family Catholic Church, he was a devout usher for years, always ensuring the church doors were open early for Mass and he was the last one to leave.
Over his lifetime, he provided for his family by working as a butcher and later as a long-haul truck driver. He proudly showed off and wore the belt buckles he received as awards for his safe driving, having driven over two-million miles. He was also a very proud blood donor, donating blood as often as he could. At last count, he had donated over 8-gallons of blood to the Coastal Bend Blood Center. His knowledge of the game of baseball was only overshadowed by the love he had for his Texas Rangers; which is why his radio handle when he was behind the wheel of a truck was “Texas Ranger.”
He was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. “Chente” is survived by his beloved siblings, Anastacio, Eufemio, Jose Luis, Julieta and Maria Manuela, as well as numerous cherished nieces and nephews.
We would again like to thank Erica and Florinda with Altus Hospice for the care they provided our dad, as well as Angelica for her gentle companionship.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in eternal peace.
Visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel, 549 Cheyenne, Corpus Christi, TX 78405, US, on November 17, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with the Holy Rosary beginning at 6:00 pm. A Mass of The Resurrection will take place at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2509 Nogales St., Corpus Christi, TX 78416, US, on November 18, 2026, at 9:00 am followed by a Committal Service at Memory Gardens, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78415, US.
