Camden Rece Matthew Soldier

Camden Rece Matthew Soldier ("Cam") came into this world on January 26, 2009, to his proud parents, April Dreadfulwater and Matthew Soldier, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. He gained his wings on May 28, 2026, in Park Hill, Oklahoma, at the age of 17 years, 4 months, and 3 days.

Cam entered life ready to take on the world. As the youngest of five children, he enjoyed the outdoors, being on or near the water, traveling, and family gatherings. Cam attended school at Chouteau from kindergarten through eighth grade, where he developed lifelong friendships and formed a special bond with Mrs. Shelle Messer. She impacted him so deeply that he would often say, "Mama, Mrs. Messer would be proud," or, "Ooh, Mrs. Messer would have gotten me for that."

The summer after his eighth-grade year, Cam moved to Tahlequah with his mother, April, and stepfather, Cody. He then began his freshman year at Keys High School, where he grew fond of his teacher, Mr. Darrell, and met Nehemiah Begay, who became his brother from another mother.

As Cam grew into a teenager, his love for music became a passion, and his love for travel turned into countless tanks of gas and endless road trips. Most of those adventures were spent with Abby. After Bill and Wendi Worthington helped him purchase his first truck, keeping him at home was nearly impossible.

Cam was a quirky, charismatic teenager who was growing into a proud young man. He had his fill of school and convinced his mama to allow him to pursue his GED with the promise of enrolling in an HVAC program. Cam chose Oklahoma Technical College and never looked back. He was on his way to bigger and better things.

At OTC, Cam quickly found a mentor in his instructor, Mr. Jimmy. He loved being a part of the OTC family and wore his uniform proudly and often slept in them. Cam was beginning to find his place in the world.

Camden loved his family and always looked forward to visits from his siblings. He had the biggest heart, a smile that could light up any room, and many talents. He especially loved his mama's fry bread.

Cam will be forever loved and deeply missed.

He is survived by his mother, April Dreadfulwater, and stepfather, Cody Sparks, of the home; his father, Matthew Soldier of chouteau; his sister, Lauran Soldier of Norman; his brothers, Trent Soldier of Salina, Andrew Soldier of Tulsa, and Matthew Soldier II of Stillwater; his brother from another mother, Nehemiah Begay; and special friend, Abby Goad.

He is also survived by his uncles, Chris Dreadfulwater of Tahlequah, Tony Soldier of Kenwood, and Coltin Sparks of Tahlequah; his aunts, Carol Limpy Holmes of El Reno, Oklahoma, Carla Dreadfulwater of Morris, Oklahoma, Sharron and Brent Bolinger of Pryor, Oklahoma, and Angie Soldier of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his maternal grandfather, Carl Dreadfulwater; his paternal grandparents, Alma SpottedWolf of El Reno, Oklahoma, and Robert Eugene Soldier of Salina, Oklahoma; extended family members Bill and Wendi Worthington; as well as a host of friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Linda Dreadfulwater ("Nannie"), and his paternal grandparents, Anna Slagle ("old grandma") and Benjamin SpottedWolf Maternal great-grandparents, Emma Bark and Mike Dreadfulwater.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Chouteau First Baptist Church with Pastor Brian Soldier officiating. A wake service will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Shipman's Funeral Home in Pryor. To leave a personal message, please visit his guestbook at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman's Funeral & Cremation Service of Pryor.