Dcn. Javier Roberto "Javy" Solis

Deacon Javier Solis, age 65, of Saint Philip Neri Catholic Church in Midwest City died on July 3, 2025, surrounded by the love of family and the faith he so generously shared.

Born Jan. 7, 1960, in Laredo, Texas, to San Juana and Benito M. Solis, “Javy” grew up in the small town of San Ygnacio, Texas. He was the eldest of six siblings and one half-brother, blessed with many aunts, uncles, cousins. Javy was preceded in death by his father, Benito M. Solis, his brother, Juan J. Solis, and his sister, Leticia "Lety" Solis.

Javy's early years were marked by friendships, school spirit and a zest for life, especially enjoying the sports program at Zapata High School. After earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Texas A&M-Kingsville, he worked for a short time in retail management, then spent 40 years in civil service, beginning at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio.

When transferred in 2000 to Tinker AFB, a move made with reluctant hope, he discovered a new spiritual home at Saint Philip Neri. There, his faith took deeper root as Javy answered the call to serve in many ministries: teaching youth, championing social justice (advocating for immigrants and supporting life from conception to natural death), conducting retreats, offering aid to the homeless, leading as a fourth degree member and former grand knight of the Knights of Columbus, helping as a Stephen Minister and serving as the spiritual advisor for the Archdiocesan Council-Oklahoma City for the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.

He was also a longtime member in the Cursillo movement.

In 2013, Javy married Beth Nawotka, a Catholic school teacher in his parish. Beth blessed Javy with a new family, including three adult children and eventually five grandchildren. A new chapter followed as Javy, with Beth at his side, followed God's call into the permanent diaconate for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Throughout four years of formation, the two grew in wisdom and faith, earning theology degrees through Newman University. Javy was ordained as a deacon on Nov. 5, 2021.

His final Mass, just days before his passing, became a testament to his love: he introduced two of his grandsons, Dominic and Eli, and a newly ordained brother deacon, Dennis Caballero, who all served with him at the altar for the first time. He declared his affection for his parish family and asked for their prayers.

Javy is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Beth”; his mother, San Juana Solis; children Mary Nawotka (Rick Dunkerley), Ann "Annie" Lynch (James "Jamie"), Sarah "Alex" Nawotka; five grandchildren (Lynch): Dominic, Elias "Eli," Bennett, Maximilian "Max," and Therese. Also surviving are his brothers, Benito "Nuno" (Nilda) Solis, Miguel "Mikey" Solis, Armando "Mando" Solis, Ricardo "Ricky" (and mother, Cecilia Flores), Beth's siblings: Robert "Bob" Archer, Jr. (Reva), Mark Archer (Cathy), Ellen Emery (Richard), Paul Archer (Cecilia), John Archer, many tíos and tías, nieces and nephews, and many more beloved family members and friends.
A vigil service and Rosary was be prayed at Saint Philip Neri Catholic Church on July 10. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on July 11 at Saint Philip Neri.

Graveside services after Mass were at Saint Martin's Cemetery. Donations in Javy's name may be made to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society at Saint Philip Neri Catholic Church.