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Dr. Bagher Sotoodeh made a spectacular entrance into heaven in the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 8th. An Ophthalmologist/Otolaryngologist, he practiced medicine for the last 35 years in San Antonio. He devoted his retired years to medical missions that took him around the world treating patients and proclaiming the gospel of Christ. Born in Tehran, Iran he immigrated in his youth to the United States and enlisted in the U.S. Army as a major during the Korean conflict. Dr. Sotoodeh won the lottery when he met and married Evelyn, his beloved wife of 54 years. After completing his medical training at Columbia Medical School in New York, Dr. Sotoodeh traveled the United States to settle in San Antonio. Dr. Sotoodeh was the first Ophthalmologist in Texas to pioneer use of the Argon Laser for eye surgery. The only other laser in use was at Baylor Medical School. He designed, built, and operated one of the first privately owned medical specialty hospitals for over 30 years. The opening of Twin Park Eye and Ear Hospital and Clinic in San Antonio, Texas was a three-page story in the Express News in 1964 where the marvel of cataract surgery was touted as cutting edge for the time. Dr. Sotoodehs intense dedication to the study and advancement of surgical technique often placed him at odds with local eye surgeons less ambitious. He was a driven and ambitious man unafraid to push the envelope in search of excellence. An avid hunter and fisherman throughout his life, Dr. Sotoodeh took up painting in his retirement years, when he wasnt traveling on missionary trips. Dr. Sotoodehs love of family and home was paramount in his life. He is survived by his wife Evelyn, sons Larry Sotoodeh of San Antonio, Kenny Sotoodeh and wife Debbie of Houston, Glenn Sotoodeh and wife Norma of San Antonio, Donna and her husband Dr. Tom Blevins of Austin, Pamela Sotoodeh and her fiancé Larry Sands of Houston, Leslie and husband Lauryn LeClere of Los Angeles California, and Fatemeh Ency Sotoodeh. Grandchildren Rami Drew Sotoodeh, Stephen Sotoodeh, Dana Sotoodeh, Taylor LeClere, Angela Blevins, and Dean Blevins. Services will include a viewing on Friday, December 10, 2004 from 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. at Mission Park North Funeral Chapel. Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, December 11, 2004 at 3:00 p.m. at Mission Park North Funeral Chapel, with graveside burial to follow at Holly Cross Cemetary

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Bagher Sotoodeh

July 3, 1915 - December 8, 2004