John Dee Soden

John Dee Soden, 94, passed away on October 22, 2026, in Yakima, Washington, surrounded by his three children. He was born on November 20, 1931, in Yakima, Washington, to Dewey and Bess Soden.

John attended Yakima High School. He left school to enlist in the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and advanced to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Later, John attended Yakima Valley Junior College then California State Polytechnical Institute and graduated from Central Washington University, majoring in secondary education. John eventually obtained a master’s degree in education, in 1971. He briefly taught at West Valley before he moved to Selah, teaching middle school history and occupational versatility, while simultaneously serving on the Selah Fire Department. He became a volunteer firefighter in 1963 and made Captain three years later. In 1969, he was elected as the volunteer fire Chief. After 28 years of teaching, he retired at the age of 55. He became Selah’s first full-time fire Chief in 1987, serving diligently until his retirement in 1996. John served the Selah community for a total of 33 years in the fire service.

John was an easy-going man who loved his family and community. He loved to travel in his motor home, often wintering with his wife, Darlene, in the Southwest. He often reminisced about his teenage years on the family wheat ranch in Sprague, Washington, and his military adventures. He was a warm, friendly, and loyal man who had a positive outlook on life. He never had a bad word to say about anyone.

On August 27, 1955, John married Darlene Schiffner. They had three children, Curtis, Jena, and Kacey. He was preceded in death by Darlene after 48 years of marriage. He was married again to Patricia Brown and was preceded in death by her in 2025.

John is survived by his son, Curtis (Terri) Soden, daughters, Jena (Rod) Allen, and Kacey (Steve) Royce, along with grandchildren, John Soden, Kaila Martinez, Melody Lowden, Jaci Brummett, Krista Bennett, Kyle Royce, and numerous great-grandchildren.

A Viewing will be held on Sunday November 8, 2026, from 12:00-4:00pm, at Shaw & Sons Funeral Home (201 N. 2nd St., Yakima). A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 9:30am, at Shaw & Sons Funeral Home, followed by a Graveside Service at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. There will be a Reception at Shaw & Sons Funeral Home, following the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made payable to Selah Fire Association and sent in care of Shaw & Sons Funeral Home (201 N. 2nd St., Yakima, WA 98901), who is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.shawandsons.com.