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Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 10:30 AM (Mountain).

at the Kadoka City Auditorium.

5-7 p.m. on Monday, March 28, at the Kadoka City Auditorium, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.



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In memory of

John Francis Solon

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at his ranch near Kadoka at the age of 72

John Solon, better known as ‘Soley,’ has always lived on the family ranch six miles south of Weta, except for brief stints teaching school and serving Uncle Sam.

John Francis Solon was born November 29, 1943, in Kadoka, South Dakota, the son of Francis and Clara (Schulz) Solon. As a child, John whiled away many hours by a wood-burning stove, drawing cattle and horses. Through the years his drawings evolved to record humorous, mundane, and near-disastrous incidents involving friends, neighbors and livestock.

John attended Weta rural school through the eighth grade and spent his high school years in Kadoka, graduating in 1962. He attended Black Hills State College graduating in 1966, with Bachelor of Science Degree, majoring in English. He taught school in Gerlach, Nevada for a short time before being drafted into the US Army.

In 1968, John completed his training at Ft. Lewis, Washington, and was later stationed at Ft. Gordon, Georgia. After his father’s sudden death, John was honorably discharged from the Army, and returned to the ranch where he assumed its day to day operations. Helpmate on the ranch is Carol “Blanchie”, his wife of 46 years.

He was united in marriage to Carol Jacobs on November 29, 1969 in Batesland, South Dakota. Together they reared two sons, Sage and Patrick, while tending to the Herefords. Now they have the added enjoyment of six grandchildren.

John was always willing to help a neighbor at a moment’s notice, and they were always willing to help him. He always thought ranching couldn’t be done without good neighbors.

John had a photographic memory, and could recollect from years gone by. He enjoyed talking politics, and watching FOX News, college basketball, baseball, and football. In his younger years, John enjoyed playing softball in the summer. He loved to draw and tell stories of the events he would see at the different ranch activities he attended. John always wanted to make sure you had been fed and had the proper footwear on, and you were warm enough, while you were at the ranch. He loved having any and all his friends drive down to the ranch to visit.

Survivors include his wife Carol of Kadoka; two sons Sage Solon and his wife Tammy of North Platte, Nebraska, and Patrick Solon and his wife Heather of Kadoka; six grandchildren Andrew and Aiden Solon, and Shaina, Savannah, River and Ridge Solon; five sisters Eleanor Solon, O.S.B., of Rapid City, Mary Ann Lewis of Wasta, Helen Pfeifer of Philip, Gen O'Callaghan of David City, Nebraska, and Winnie Bell and her husband Doug of Fountain Valley, California; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents Francis and Clara Solon.

Memorials will be directed to grandson Aiden's cancer treatment expenses.

VISITATION
Monday, March 28, 2016
5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m.
City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICES
Tuesday, March 29 - 10:30 a.m.
City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota
OFFICIANT
Cory Hill
MUSIC
“A Song For Dad”
“Go On Without Me”
“Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies
Grow Up To Be Cowboys”
USHERS
Cap Herber - Michael Herber
Jerry Baldwin - Bill Dywer
PALLBEARERS
Kenneth Raymond - Nels Crowser
Jim Herber - John Herber - Charlie O’Callahan
Jim Gibson - River Solon - Henry Ireland
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Bernard Herber - Irwin Ferguson - Barry Barber
W.O. Weller - Cleve Prichard - Terry O’Callahan
John’s Branding Crew and all friends and family
that called, visited, or helped out at various times

VISITATION
5-7 p.m. Monday, March 28
Kadoka City Auditorium

PRAYER SERVICES
Monday, March 28, 2016 - 7:00 p.m.
Kadoka City Auditorium

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICES
Tuesday, March 29, 2016 - 10:30 a.m.
Kadoka City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota

OFFICIANT
Cory Hill

MUSIC
“A Song For Dad”
“Go On Without Me”
“Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies
Grow Up To Be Cowboys”

USHERS
Cap Herber - Michael Herber
Jerry Baldwin - Bill Dywer

PALLBEARERS
Kenneth Raymond - Nels Crowser
Jim Herber - John Herber - Charlie O’Callaghan
Jim Gibson - River Solon - Henry Ireland

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Bernard Herber - Irwin Ferguson - Barry Barber
W.O. Weller - Cleve Prichard - Terry O’Callaghan
John’s Branding Crew and all friends and family
that called, visited, or helped out at various times

  • What a legend Ole' Soley - Tried as he might to be gruff n tuff--- that was just the mask on the outside. On the inside John loved life, the cowboy way, all his family and friends---this made him the richest cowboy around. John loved nothing more to laugh, joke, tell stories, dance a storm, share a sip or two, complain a bit and all the while was etching the conversation --- on a napkin, feed sack or and ole piece of paper. I know he took more teasing about the Herford cattle than any cowboy around. The day we lost John, was a sad day. But he would want you all to whip n ride on- tie on your neckerchief - take her in stride and go on. RIP you ole cowboy friend, ~ Chuck & Janet VanderMay Kadoka (3/31/2016)
  • Carol, Sage, Patrick & families, our thoughts are with you at this time and we send our Deepest Sympathy upon John's passing. We treasure his wonderful letters with stories of life on the Ranch and his fantastic drawings. Our time spent together at the Solon reunion in 1999 remind us what a great guy he was. Rest in Peace John, you were loved from afar.
    ********
    May Memories Comfort You
    The tide recedes but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand,
    The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land,
    The music stops, and yet it echoes on in sweet refrains,
    For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains,
    May memories bring you comfort and keep your beloved John close in heart.
    ~ Len & Merril Bourne Auckland, New Zealand (3/30/2016)
  • Carol and family John was a great neighbor and a very special friend it was always fun to have John around he will be missed by many prayers go out to you and be in our thoughts ~ Bryon and Tina Fite White Owl S.D. (3/29/2016)
  • Solons: Our Dear Friends, We are going to miss our John's Big Twinkly Smile, Bigger Imagination and Biggest Cowboy Heart the Good Lord probably ever made (even though he often tried to hide it with his Grumpy Gramps routine!!! LOL!) We wish so much that we could be there with you all. You know we are lifting you up in prayer and will continue. So... from the Deep South: We Love Y'all! ~ Teal & Bev Singletary Ragley, Louisiana (3/28/2016)
  • Carol and Family
    May you feel the presence of God and the love of your friends and family during your time of loss. John was a one of a kind man and a true American Cowboy! He will be remembered for his witty humor and his drawings. I remember seeing so many of them while growing up. May God hold you all in the palm of his hand!
    Love and God bless
    David, Michelle, Kelcey, Katie and Lukas Butler     ~ Michelle Butler Philip SD (3/28/2016)
  • Carol and Family
    You are in our thoughts and prayers.     ~ Ron and Connie Twiss Interior SD (3/27/2016)
  • John was a neighbors' neighbor. He seemed happiest when he was helping the guy next door. He loved the system where "I help you bring in your cows and you help me with mine"...a system which seems to be waning, because guys like John are few and far between. John loved the term neighborly because he was that kind of guy.
    I will see you at the end of April when things quiet down.     ~ Philip Kiely San Francisco (3/26/2016)
  • Condolences to the Solon Family. You're in my prayers. ~ Merti Whirlwind Horse Interior, SD (3/26/2016)
  • Carol, so very sorry for your loss. ~ Claude 'Jesse" Freeman Kadoka, S.D (3/26/2016)
  • Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you ~ Ben and Barb Schaer Gordon, NE (3/25/2016)
  • THANKS FOR SERVING ~ A VETERAN (3/25/2016)
  • Carol and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Cherish the memories. God will keep you in the palm of his hand. ~ Len and Ruby Sanftner Kadoka (3/25/2016)
  • Always enjoyed his company, God must be planning a great roundup ~ Jeramy Ward Martin SD (3/25/2016)
  • Carol and family, so sorry to hear about John's passing. I always like to visit with him when we crossed paths. John always had a story to tell about someone. John will be greatly missed by all. God bless and take care.
    ~ Casey Weaver Wall, SD (3/25/2016)
  • My sincere condolence Carol, prayers for you and your family ~ Gale Vavra Monroe,WA (3/25/2016)
  • We didn't know John for very long, but he touched our lives deeply. We will always treasure the stories and drawings he gave us. We will miss our good friend. Our deepest sympathy to Carol and family. ~ Fred and Judy Wiles Weeping Water, NE (3/25/2016)
  • Our thoughts and prayers Carol and family. We are still in Texas but will be thinking of you. ~ Bob and Frances Getz Kadoka SD (3/24/2016)
  • So sorry to hear of John's passing. We ha a lot of good memories during branding season. Prayers to Carol and family. ~ Arlie and Karen Percy Sturgis, SD (3/24/2016)
  • Sympathy to you Carol and family. May God sustain you at this time and the days ahead. John leaves a true legacy in you Carol, his soulmate, your sons and their families. He leaves good memories with so many, including me. ~ Aletha Parker Rapid City SD (3/24/2016)
  • Dear Carol and Family, We are so sorry to hear of John's passing, a light went out in this world and heaven just got a little brighter. Chris and I both enjoyed every opportunity we had to be around John. May God's peace and bleesings be with with all of you thru this time. Love Chris and Diana ~ Chris and Diana Elwood Volborg, MT (3/24/2016)
  • Our hearts and prayers for Johns Family, such a great all around person he was , made everyone he met feel like a friend. He will be missed by many. A true Jackson County Cowboy. ~ Bruce and Bonnie Madsen Kadoka S.D. (3/24/2016)
  • I am so sorry for your loss, John will be missed by all that knew him. He was always there to help whenever needed, a true cowboy for sure. ~ Teresa Williams Pierre SD (3/24/2016)
  • Dearest Carol and family, may your memories sustain you through this sudden loss and in this fretful time, give you peace and comfort.
    We are here to help.     ~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (3/24/2016)
  • Dear Carol and family,
    John was a special guy, even when we were in high school he was always so caring and helpful. You are in are our thoughts and prayers, may God give you peace as you go forward.
    Ella Rock, Sharon Rock Vaughan, Pam Rock Fairchild     ~ Pam Fairchild Sturgis, SD (3/24/2016)
  • So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers. ~ Paul and Karen Carlson O'Neill, Nebraska (3/24/2016)
  • Carol I'm so sorry to hear this news. I will pray for peace and know you are in my thoughts. Love to you all ~ Joni Thomsen Rapid city (3/24/2016)
  • Dear Carol, Our deepest sympathy to you and all of the family. It's difficult to deal with such a sudden loss, but may wonderful memories of John comfort you all. In love and remembrance, Trish ~ Trish Kiely Corte Madera, CA (3/24/2016)
  • So sorry to hear this sad news, Blanche. I keep a cotton bag that John drew a horse and some badlands on hanging in my office, and admire it every day. We will surely miss our Hacksaw Bud!! John did it his way, all the way. You will be in my thoughts here in Illinois . . . take good care. ~ Paul Brewer Toledo, IL (3/24/2016)
  • Carol: Thinking of you and your family during this sad time. Keep your memories close to your heart and he will be with you always. "One day you will cross the bridge and you'll all be together again" ~ Linda Skiles Lyons, Wi (3/23/2016)
  • Letting you know that thoughts and prayers are being sent your way!!! Just visited with John a few days ago at Gas & Go!! What a guy! Cherish the memories!! ~ Jean Holzkamp Kadoka (3/23/2016)
  • John was a talented artist and true community cowboy. Always enjoyed his stories. Thinking of you all ~ Pam and KeithBonenberger Kadoka (3/23/2016)
  • John was a true cowboy and gentleman. May he rest in peace. Our prayers are with Blanche and the family. ~ Al and Teri Almy Orleans, Michigan (3/23/2016)
  • John was such a boisterous man. He could light up a room with his smiles. Sending our prayers to all of the family. ~ Janelle Madsen Popwell Wellington, TX (3/23/2016)
  • Words cannot express how we feel, but know that you are in our hearts and prayers. ~ Terry Ireland Sioux Falls, SD (3/23/2016)
  • We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Tayta West Philip,SD (3/23/2016)
  • John was a legend in his time. Sending our sincere sympathy to his entire family! ~ Judy Goldhammer Wall (3/23/2016)
  • He was a true cowboy . He never thought twice about jumping in the middle of a stalled herd of cattle to keep them moving. Talking with him always put a smile on my face. Loved spending time with him . Ride high up in the sky Duke . ~ Jeff Madsen Dawson Tx (3/23/2016)