Douglas Ray Solan, of Dixon, was born on February 21, 1971, in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of Richard William and Karen Eulene (Tolliver) Solan, and departed this life at 6:09 p.m., Friday, November 22, 2013, at his residence. Maj Solan had attained the age of 42 years, 9 months, and 1 day.

Major Solan was united in marriage on August 19, 2008, at Las Vegas, to Julie Ann Graham. He was preceded in death by one sister, Tamulen Solan in 1982.

Major Solan began his military career on April 17, 1989, at Fort Benning, Georgia. During his career, he was awarded and entitled to wear the Bronze Star Medal (3), the Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4), Army Achievement Medal (7), Army Good Conduct Medal (3), Soldier was presented with the US Flag for serving in a designated imminent Danger area, Polish Afghanistan Star, National Defense Service Medal (2), South West Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star (2), Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3), Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon (4) Nato Medal, Sapper Tab, KU-LIB-MDL, (Saudi Arabia), Air Assault Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver – Tracked Vehicle Clasp, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver Wheeled Vehicle Clasp. Major Solan served in combat in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. A man of excellent character, Major Solan was honorably discharged on September 30, 2013.

Those left to mourn the passing of Major Solan include: his wife, Julie Solan, Dixon; his parents, Richard and Karen Solan, Hermitage; his paternal grandmother, Rita Solan, Highland Falls, New York; his mother-in-law, Geraldine Graham, Owensville; four sons, Bailey Solan, Riley Solan, Aiden Solan and Aaron Gray, all of Dixon; two daughters, Marissa Solan, Erie, Pennsylvania and Megan Solan, stationed in England with the United States Air Force; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services and interment with full military honors was conducted for Retired Major Solan at 1:00 P.M., Wednesday, November 27, 2013, in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Leonard Wood under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home, Dixon.

Pallbearers for Retired Major Solan were Lonnie Johnston, Corey Wilkens, Mike Natalino, Tom Garcia, Karl Balzer and Bailey Solan.

Memorials are suggested per the wishes of the family with envelopes available at the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Dixon.