A week after a ruptured aneurysm and a subsequent car crash, Christopher C. Soto, a warrior veteran of the United States Air Force, slipped his final bond of earth, danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings for the last time, and climbed the high sanctity of space, where he met the Savior he chose to trust in his last days.

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.

Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home & Crematory  |  October 2024

From Jan Soto:

On Oct. 8th my husband, Chris, had an iliac aneurysm rupture while driving. He hit a guard rail and was air lifted to the hospital. He was in surgery for 6 hours. We found out he had another aneurysm that hadn’t ruptured on the other side and blood clots in his lungs and throughout his body. He had no broken bones. Chris had four surgeries and rallied after every one of them. His organs were too traumatized. He was given over 25 units of blood and over 70 liters of fluids. Chris should never have made it to the hospital. Yesterday we took him off life support. He fought for eight days, long enough for his brother to get here from Las Vegas. God is merciful. Those old fighter pilots are warriors!

Chris was from Tucson, like I was. Didn't know him in high school, but met him at USAFA and traveled with him some trying to get back to Arizona during the few breaks we had as cadets. I was also at Columbus with him for UPT. Chris was a great, and tough guy. He proved that later in his career and then throughout his life. Rest in Peace and God's speed!

– Bill Carrothers

A great classmate...Cheney award for saving the life of his F-105 crewmate.

– Kurt Bock