Joe Solorio of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Tuesday morning, July 7, 2009, in Wichita, Kansas, at the age of 82 years.

Joe Solorio was born on January 5, 1927, in Medford, Oklahoma, to Frank and Esther Solorio Sr. He grew up in Medford graduating from Medford High School. He entered the United States Army in 1945, serving during World War II. Following his discharge in 1946 he began working for the Sante Fe Railroad. He married Lucy Marie Martin on July 5, 1947, in Medford and they settled in Medford where he continued working for the railroad. In 1975 they moved to Blackwell, Oklahoma, to make their home. In 1985 he retired as a section foreman for Sante Fe Railroad and they continued to make Blackwell their home. He loved country music and played the saxophone, fiddle, guitar and harmonica. Through the years he played with numerous bands including the Fabulous Royals, Ace Diamonds and a band that played the Senior Citizen's Center in Morrison, Oklahoma. He played on occasion with Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys. He enjoyed playing jokes and kidding around with people. He also had a passion for trains, cars, woodworking, but was especially adept to wheeling and dealing. He also loved to travel with his wife to Branson, Missouri, and other destinations. He was a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Blackwell.

He is survived by two daughters, Angeline Solorio of Wichita, Kansas, and Rose Ann Solorio and Jesse Padilla of Wichita, Kansas; two sons, Joe Solorio and wife Barbara of Medford, Oklahoma, and John Solorio and wife Liz of Ponca City, Oklahoma; a sister, Mary Krehbiel of Enid, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Christopher Solorio and fiancé Harmony Brinton of Phoenix, Arizona, Armando Tinoco of Wichita, Kansas, Renee Hernandez of Wichita, Kansas, and Trevor Walker of Ponca City, Oklahoma; and seven great grandchildren, Garrett and Chandler, Leticia Lepe, Marcella Horner, Layliana and Aubrey Tinoco all of Wichita, Kansas, and Torin Brinton of Phoenix, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucy; his parents; four brothers, Frank, Salvador, Lupe and Nash; and two sisters, Carmel Winter and Mary Juarez.

A rosary is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 9th in the Roberts and Son Funeral Home Chapel in Blackwell. Funeral services are set for 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 10th in the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Blackwell with Father Martin officiating. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery in Medford, Oklahoma. Military rites will be performed by the Blackwell American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Casketbearers will be Steven Ramirez, Jimmy Solorio, Armando Tinoco, Donnie Winter, Mark Mann and Diego Solorio.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church or the Diabetes Association in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74361.