Luis Alfonso Soto

Luis Alfonso Soto was called home by our Lord and Savior on August 4, 2017. Luis was born on May 22, 1926 in Austin, Texas. He was born into a family of faith. His grandfather, Rev. Basilio Soto, was a Methodist circuit rider and proclaimed the Gospel message throughout Northern Mexico and Texas. Luis’ father, Rev. Felix Soto, was a Methodist pastor for over 40 years and was known for his Biblical sermons and outreach to those within the Rio Grande Conference (Conferencia Rio Grande). At age 17 and with his parents’ permission, Luis left high school to join the United States Navy and served in World War II. He served in the Navy for three years and traveled around North Africa and the Mediterranean. After the war, Luis returned to Austin High School and graduated in 1947. Upon graduation, he enrolled into the University of Houston and was able to use his GI bill to put himself and his brother, Mario, through school. Luis graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1952.

While at UH he met the love of his life, Minerva Martinez. They were married on December 23, 1950 by Bishop A. Frank Smith and Rev. Felix Soto. Luis and Minerva were blessed with four children, Jorge Luis, Laura, Luis II, and Elsa. Luis had a long career working with Olin, Mobile, Exxon/Mobile, and Agrifos. At times, he traveled and worked in different states and overseas in London, England. He officially retired at age 65 only to return a few weeks later as a consultant and worked until age 80.

Luis, throughout his life, was a faithful disciple of Christ. He grew up and served in his beloved Conferencia Rio Grande. God’s providence led his family to Houston where Luis joined El Mesias UMC, a church that he would serve loyally for over seventy years. Luis served on every committee within the church with a heart to always seek the Lord’s will. For decades, Luis served as Sunday school Superintendent and you could see him setting at his desk counting and recording all who had attended Sunday school. Luis served as Treasurer of the church, Finance Chair, Church Council Chair, and Trustee Chair among numerous other positions within the church. Luis was a faithful member of the United Methodist Men and helped in their functions of outreach and mission endeavors. Luis was also a key member in the building of a new Educational Building at El Mesias. He spent untold hours working and supervising the construction. In addition, Luis and Minerva served weekly at the food bank were they touched hundreds of lives with their kind words and helping hands. Luis served as a member of Conference Board of Pensions & Health Benefits for 16 years. Afterwards, he served on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. In addition, he served on the Methodist Children’s Home Board for eight years. To celebrate his dedicated service to the Conference, he was presented with a life-time ministry award.

Luis was a member of the Masonic Lodge and became a Master Mason and eventually a Shriner. For many years, he volunteered as a translator at the Shriner hospital in Houston. On his 90th birthday, the City of Houston and Mayor Sylvester Turner designated May 22, 2016 as Luis Soto Day.

Luis’ greatest treasure and love was time spent with his family. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with each beat of his heart. Luis took time to know each of them, to share his love, his kindness, his generosity, and his wisdom. His most memorable moments were those together over family trips across the country or across the neighborhood. These road trips consumed long hours and lots of patience. Family meals were cherished and rich with stories, jokes, and laughter. These are the moments held in the hearts of those who remember him.

Luis never met a stranger. He had a heart of gold. Often the family would be looking for him only to find him sharing a kind word or handshake with someone he had just met. He always encouraged the family to love the Lord, love each other, and care for others. He taught others to appreciate life, family, faith, and all the blessings of the Lord. He longed to hear the words, “Enter in thy good and faithful servant.”

Luis is preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Felix & Conception Soto. Brothers; Felix Jr, Raul, Rodulfo, and Mario. His son, Jorge Luis. He is survived by his wife, Minerva. Children; Laura, Luis II, & Elsa (Richard). Grandchildren: Joseph, Luis III (Liz), Marisa, David Luis (Jenny), Cristina, Rebeca (Jonathon), Daniel, & Annamarie. Great grandchildren: Hayden, Irie, Ruby, & Max Luis. And numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Methodist Children’s Home in Waco at, http://www.mch.org/.