Nederland, Texas, recently bid farewell to two beloved community members, Bonifacio "Bocho" Soto Rodríguez and Richard Duane Drake, whose lives were celebrated through heartfelt obituaries.
Bonifacio "Bocho" Soto Rodríguez, 88, of Port Arthur, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont. Born on May 27, 1936, in Mexico, Bocho dedicated much of his life to ranching, honing his skills before moving to the United States, where he retired as a welder from the shipyard. Known for his friendly demeanor, Bocho had the ability to connect with others effortlessly, never meeting a stranger during his lifetime.
His warm personality and kind spirit made him a cherished figure within his community, where his pride and joy were his family. Bocho is survived by his children: Miguel Angel Soto, Juan Soto and his wife, Mari Carmen Soto, Ariel Soto, and Maria Jaime with her husband, Alvaro Jaime. His legacy extends to his grandchildren, Jennifer, Yarely, Nelly, and Javel, and his great-grandchild, Karely. He is also remembered by his sisters, Maria de la Cruz Leija and Rosalinda Aguire.
Bocho had a deep love for reading, particularly cowboy novels and magazines, which echoed his admiration for rugged individualism. His family greatly valued the time they spent together and the enduring principles he instilled. He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel Soto and Maria Rodriguez, as well as his beloved wife of 51 years, Maria de la Paz Pina, alongside his brothers who also passed before him.
The Soto family invites friends and loved ones for visitation on Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, 1605 Avenue H, Nederland, TX 77627. Bocho will be fondly remembered not only for his achievements and contributions but for the love he shared with his family and the kindness he extended to all who knew him. "Bocho will be remembered not just for his accomplishments and contributions but for the love he shared with his family and the kindness he showed to all who knew him," remarked the obituary published by Broussard's Mortuary.
Following Bocho's tributes, Richard Duane Drake, 81, of Silsbee, Texas, passed away on February 27, 2025, at Bonne Vie Nursing Home, Port Arthur. Richard touched the lives of many and will be remembered for his commitment to his community. Memorial contributions can be made to the Humane Society of Southeast Texas, located at 2050 Spindletop Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705, emphasizing his love for animals and compassion for those less fortunate.
A gathering for Richard's family and friends is set for Sunday, March 9, 2025, commencing at 2:00 PM, followed by his funeral service at 3:00 PM at Broussard's Mortuary, 505 North 12 Street, Nederland. His cremation arrangements will be managed through Broussard's Crematorium, located in Beaumont.
Both Bocho Soto Rodríguez and Richard Duane Drake leave behind legacies of love, compassion, and community spirit, ensuring their memories will continue living on through the stories shared by family and friends. Their contributions were greatly valued, and their passionate connection to their loved ones was evident throughout their lives. The community of Nederland unites to honor these remarkable individuals as they now rest peacefully.