MOGMWSoutiea
WILFRED G. SOUTIEA, JR. 1940-
Picture courtesy of Missouri Lodge of Research Archive
Grand Master, 1999-2000
BIOGRAPHY
From Missouri Lodge of Research:
Wilfred G. "Bill" Soutiea Jr. was born on February 20, 1940 in Lemay, Missouri. He was educated in the Bayless School District, graduating from Bayless High School in 1957. In 1974, he received his B.A. Degree from Columbia College, and in 1976, earned a Masters of Arts degree from Webster University, majoring in Human Relations and Administration of Justice.
After graduating from high school, Will enlisted in the Air Force serving four years as a radio maintenance technician. On separation, he enlisted in the Missouri Air National Guard, while employed full-time at Emerson Electric Company. In 1962, he left Emerson to become a patrolman in the Metropolitan St Louis Police Department. In 1967, he accepted a full time position with the Missouri Air National Guard at Jefferson Barracks. While serving in the ANG he rose through the enlisted ranks, serving as Chief Master Sergeant (E-9). In 1980 he was commissioned as a Captain upon completion of the Academy of Military Science and progressed to the rank of Lt. Colonel, and coordinated overseas exercises in support of NATO. Bill retired from the Air National Guard in May of 1993.
Brother Soutiea was active in the Gardenville Chapter Order of DeMolay from 1954 until the time of his enlistment in the Air Force. He was awarded the DeMolay Legion of Honor in 2001. He joined the Masonic fraternity by petitioning Freedom Lodge No 636 early in 1969 and served as Master in 1984. In the same year he served as Worthy Patron of Mehlville Chapter No 187 Order of the Eastern Star with his wife, Carol, who served as Worthy Matron. Bill served as DDGM of the 61st Masonic District Div "C" and was later appointed to the advancing line by Grand Master Downey, being elected Grand Master in September 1999.
Grand Master Soutiea considered his "Resolution", which opened the doors to negotiations with the Grand Lodge of Prince Hall Masons in the State of Missouri to have been a milestone in the future history of Freemasonry in Missouri.
His other Masonic memberships include: Harry S Truman York Rite College, Buckner, Mo., Scottish Rite, Valley of St Louis, Venerable Master in 1999, 33rd Degree on October 3, 2001. Keystone Chapter No 146 RAM, Jeremiah Council No 48, Ascalon Commandery No 17, Bruce Harmon Hunt York Rite College, St Louis, Order of the Purple Cross, Red Cross of Constantine, National Sojourners, Missouri Lodge of Research, Moolah Shrine.
Bill and his wife Carol have two children, Bill III and Sheryl Rae.
