John Francis Solon

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

Service Details

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

Guest Book

Flowers