Vincent Ray Sola

Vincent (Vince) Ray Sola passed away at 80 years old on June 14, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family. Vince was born on March 11, 1942 in Independence, Missouri to Louis and Joyce Sola. He was a 1959 graduate of Southeast High School in Kansas City, Missouri and enlisted in the US Army shortly after graduation. His time in the military was spent predominantly in Schweinfurt, Germany where he carried out various duties and responsibilities, but most enjoyably, played on the US Army baseball team and incorporated his artistic abilities on a variety of projects. Vince was a proud veteran, proud of his country, and appreciative of all who serve. In his final days, and at one of his weakest physical moments, he reached out and shook the hand of one of the emergency workers who brought him home and thanked him for his service. The Olathe firefighter responded by thanking Vince for his service to the country. That Vince's passing occurred on June 14, "Flag Day" and the US Army's birthday, is fitting.

Vince was a talented artist who specialized in caricature drawings and pet portraits. Those who knew him are likely to have one of his drawings or had one drawn for a loved one. Vince spent most of his career as a meat cutter in Safeway and Food Barn while continuing his art hobby up until his passing.

Vince married the love of his life, Sandra (Sandy) Sola in 1967 and spent 55 wonderful years together. He adored his wife and was committed to her throughout. They were blessed to have many happy years together, weathering life's occasional storms with grace and joy. Their mutual love for one another was apparent and an example for all who knew them.

Vince had 4 children: Mike Sola (Christen), Jim Sola (Kaily), Debbie Straub (Hank), and Rick Sola (Lindsey). He took the role of father seriously. A committed family man, he worked hard to provide for his family. This entailed more than food and shelter. He provided a foundation of faith and love for his family that allowed them to prosper together and individually. His humble example of faith was instrumental in all his children maintaining their Christian identity to this day. He supported his kids' various sporting activities, especially sharing a strong interest in baseball (that he was more than happy to play with them!). He supported and took interest in their other activities such as music, dance, educational endeavors, and eventually their careers.

All four of his children have married and started families of their own. Vince loved their spouses as if they were his own children and cherished his 13 grandchildren: Abby, Josh, Drew, and Joe (Mike and Christen), Jake and Nick (Jim and Kaily), Stephanie, Emily, Spencer, and Kaitlyn (Debbie and Hank), and Beckett, Lincoln, and Easton (Rick and Lindsey). Vince followed his grandkids' activities and life progression with great interest, and they were fortunate to experience their grandfather's love, commitment, and humor for many years, much of them into adulthood. They have fond memories of a man who played with them, joked with them, and went to countless sporting events, music recitals, dance recitals, and graduations. Vince was so proud of his family.

An avid KC sports fan, Vince loved his Chiefs and Royals and cheered on both KU and K-State as part of his family's split allegiances. Vince loved having coffee with family and going to parks, movies, and out to eat. He preferred living his life "on the go" and was quick to enjoy conversation with people while out running errands. Vince valued all his time with family but enjoyed nothing more than taking family vacations. Whether one of many road trips to Branson, a trip out west, or a flight to Disney World, Vince loved trips with his loved ones.

Finally, for a complete picture of who Vince was, mention of his love for dogs is necessary. Vince was something of a "dog-whisperer"—a hero to canines both past and present. He was not one to be the center of attention, but this was unavoidable in the presence of his children's variety of dogs. He took them to dog parks and on car rides and would sneak a table scrap to them. Dogs would get into a tizzy of excitement when "grandpa" was around, and they quickly learned that he always had a bone for them.

Vince loved life and those he spent it with. The love and support from so many relatives and friends have been instrumental in bringing comfort to those closest to him during this time and the family is so grateful.

Vince is survived, and will be greatly missed, by his wife, Sandy, children, grandchildren, his brother Tony Sola (Linda), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, his nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless extended family and friends as well.

Vince was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Joyce Sola, and by his father and mother in-law, Frank and Catherine Stretz.

Services will be held Friday, June 17, 2022 starting with a Rosary at 3pm followed immediately by a visitation. The visitation will conclude at 4:45pm with military honors presented. A funeral Mass will begin at 5pm. After cremation and date to be determined, a private burial ceremony will be held at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee or Prince of Peace Catholic Church where Vince was a founding member.