Vivian Ventura De Soto Jr.

Vivian Ventura De Soto Jr., a cherished brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas, where he had lived for 62 years. He was born in Boettcher’s Mill, a saw mill located outside the Huntsville city limits on March 23, 1937. He was the first of eight children to Vivian Ventura De Soto Sr. and Adela Zamora De Soto.

Vivian’s early years were spent in Huntsville, Texas, and later in Pasadena, Texas. It was in Pasadena where he met Dorcas, the love of his life, at Satsuma Garden Mission, which later became Primera Iglesia Bautista of Pasadena.

A devoted servant to his country and community, Vivian enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves at the age of 17, serving for eight years while still in high school. After graduating from Pasadena High School in 1956, he earned a degree in Forestry Engineering from Texas A&M and LSU. He went on to earn a teaching degree from the University of Houston, followed by a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on History and Science from the University of the Incarnate Word.

Vivian’s professional life was devoted to teaching and mentoring the next generation. He spent 37 years as a high school educator with the South Side School District and Harlandale School District in San Antonio. He also coached students in the Academic Decathlon, Track, Football, and Chess Team. Outside of the classroom, Vivian volunteered at the suicide hotline, providing much-needed support to individuals in crisis.

A man of profound faith, Vivian dedicated much of his life to serving in the church. He began his ministry in his youth and continued his work throughout his life, serving as a children’s and adult Sunday School teacher, youth director, puppet/clown ministry leader, and Senior Adult Ministry leader. He also held positions as church treasurer, deacon, and sang bass in the church choir and men's quartet. Vivian was a frequent traveler on missionary trips including medical as well as trips to the Navajo Nation where he served in various roles, including teaching woodworking, leading worship, and even acting as head chef and bottle washer.

In addition to his many professional and church commitments, Vivian worked a variety of odd jobs, including as a taxi driver, ice cream truck vendor, cement and construction worker, scorekeeper for school sports, office building cleaner, doughnut maker, lab technician, and delivery driver. He was also known to have worked as a volunteer with the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, where he became a Master Gardener, and as a docent at the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures. He also performed historical skits based on the circuit-riding preachers of the past at the Institute of Texan Cultures and at various churches and camps around the state.

Vivian is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Dorcas Irene Urbina De Soto; daughters Venee De Soto Guevara (husband Michael) of San Antonio, Texas, and Dylana Vasti De Soto Calderon (husband Javier) of Los Angeles, California; grandsons Zachary, Zane, and Zion; and siblings Xavier (wife Angeles) of Kenner, Louisiana, Timothy of Kenner, Louisiana, Irene Dickey (husband Douglas) of Los Angeles, California, Benjamin Tecumseh of Ogden, Utah, Adela K. Mason (husband Greg) of Whitney, Texas, and numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his infant sister LaVerne, and his brother Theodore.

Vivian De Soto will be remembered for his unwavering faith, extraordinary work ethic, deep love for his family, and his legacy of strength, kindness, and passion for learning. His devotion to his community and family was evident in everything he did, and the impact he has had will continue to be felt by everyone around him.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 3:00 PM at University Park Baptist Church, 2308 Cincinnati, San Antonio, TX 78228. Interment will take place at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to University Park Baptist Church.