Eugene Soto
Glen Carbon | Save
Eugene “Gene” Soto, age 78, of Glen Carbon, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Illinois, surrounded by the love of his family. Gene was born on January 31, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri, the beloved son of the late John and Maria Socorro (Soto) Carmona.
A proud patriot and devoted family man, Gene honorably served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Over the course of twenty distinguished years of military service, he rose to the rank of Master Sergeant and worked as an Electronic Warfare Systems Technician. His dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence earned him numerous honors and commendations, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, among many others.
On April 6, 2002, Gene married the love of his life, Nadiya, in Glen Carbon, Illinois. Together they built a life centered around love, laughter, and family. Gene had a sharp mind and a curious spirit. He was incredibly tech-savvy, enjoyed reading, and watching tennis, and took great pride in keeping up with the latest technology. Above all else, his family brought him immeasurable joy, and he loved nothing more than praying the rosary for them, hearing and sharing stories, and keeping up with the latest and greatest updates in each of their lives – including those living far from home.
Gene will be remembered for his warm heart, quick wit, infectious laughter, and unwavering love for those closest to him. He lived life fully, treasured every moment with family and friends, and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His strength, kindness, and sense of humor will be deeply missed and forever cherished. He found comfort in the company of his beloved dogs, Simba and Jasmine, and was known for giving Simba his daily rubs and affection.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Nadiya Soto of Glen Carbon, Illinois; his loving children, Michelle (David) Schaepperkoetter of Granite City, Illinois, Manuel (Sylvia) Soto of Glen Carbon, Illinois, Michael (Malena) Soto of Imperial, Missouri, Iryna (Clay) Baumann of Highland, Illinois, and Sergiy (Kate) Soto of O’Fallon, Illinois; his dear siblings, John Soto Jr. of St. Louis, Missouri, Rebecca (Roger) Delgado of St. Louis, Missouri, and Jessica (Mike) Liszewski of Glen Carbon, Illinois; his cherished grandchildren, Manuel K. (Michelle) Soto, Dmytro Baumann, and Elizabeth Baumann; his treasured great-grandchildren, Michael A. Soto, Mariana Soto, and Quinn Donets; as well as Johanna; mother of Michelle, Manuel, Michael; and loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives he touched throughout the years.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Irwin Chapel in Glen Carbon, Illinois.
A Funeral Mass celebrating Gene’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Glen Carbon, Illinois, with Father Patrick Gibbons officiating. Gene will be laid to rest with full military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home
