Emilio “E.B” Blanco Soto, Jr. (95) entered into eternal life on March 18, 2015; with his loving daughters by his side. Emilio was born on Aug. 5, 1919, in Oatman, Ariz., and moved to Needles, Calif., when he was a little boy.

Emilio’s parents came to the United States from Spain. Here in the United States is where they wanted to raise their four sons. After many years in California the Soto family purchased many acres of land in Needles. Soto Ranch was established in 1937. The Soto Ranch was purchased for farming. “The Ranch” was and always will be a special place that each member of the Soto family will always remember. Spending time on “The Ranch” is what brought the family together and where generations created lasting memories.

Emilio married his beloved wife Hermina “Minnie” Soto on May 30, 1942. The two had four beautiful daughters: Christine Keyes of Highland, Calif., Sylvia Galvan of Lindsay, Calif., Linda Barker of Lindsay, and Delia Soto of Bakersfield, Calif. Emilio and Hermina also had seven grandchildren: Roxanne Robles of Highland, Renee Saucedo of Highland, Michelle Galvan of Lindsay, Chanda Galvan Deisman of Visalia, Calif., Monica Barker Martinez of Tulare, Calif., Richard Barker of Lindsay, and David Emilio Barker of San Jose, Calif. Each of their grandchildren will have lasting memories of their treasured “Grandma and Grandpa Soto.” Emilio also shared in the lives of 13 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren (one of which will carry on his name, “Emilio”). If you would ask any of Emilio’s grandchildren if they know a true cowboy they would each say “Yes, my Grandpa Soto.”

Emilio was preceded in death by his parents, Emilio and Obdulia Soto; brothers, Guillermo “Willie” Soto, Samuel “Sam” Soto and David Soto. Emilio is also joined again in eternal life with his beloved wife of 70 years, Hermina Soto, and their daughters, Christine Keyes and Delia Soto.

Emilio is survived by his daughters, Sylvia Galvan and Linda Barker; and 24 grandchildren.

Emilio had a passion and deep love for animals. His dream was to be a veterinarian but being the oldest son he had family obligations that kept him from attending school, although most of his working career consisted of caring for animals on a feedlot or the family ranch. As a young man Emilio loved to participate in rodeos as a team roper and calf roper. Emilio won many titles in local rodeos. One he was very proud of was his 1964 Rodeo Champion of Central Valley. All of Emilio’s friends and family knew he was a true cowboy and he would never be seen without his hat, jeans and cowboy boots. He always looked his best.

Above all things that Emilio experienced in his lifetime he was most proud of the term he served in the military and being a proud member of Eagles Lodge 2599, in Needles.

Emilio B. Soto, Jr. served in WWII as a private first class radar operator/cook in the 564th Signal Warning Battalion of the 9th Air Force, having put boots on the ground on Omaha Beach and Normandy. He also served in Northern and Southern France, Sicily, Central Europe, Tunisia, Africa, Italy and Germany. Emilio was a true war hero.

Please join Emilio’s family in celebrating his life. Services will held Friday, April 24, 2015, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Needles. Rosary will take place at 9:30 a.m. and funeral mass will follow at 10 a.m.
Needles Desert Star