Sol Astrachan was born in 1929, in the war-ravaged European city of Danzig, formerly a part of Germany which, at that time, was governed by the League of Nations. Sol was a son of Morris and Sonia Astrachan who had escaped from Russia after the communist revolution. The Astrachan family came to America in 1938 escaping the Holocaust that was taking place in Europe, and settled in St. Louis.

Sol's Uncle James and Aunt Edna took him to Kennett for a brief stay while his parents were becoming acclimated to America. That brief stay would last a lifetime. Sol attended the Kennett school system, rapidly learning English and graduating in 1947 as the Valedictorian of his senior class. As a nine-year-old, he began working afternoons, after school and all day on Saturdays at James Kahn's, earning $2.00 weekly. He remained prouder of that check than many that came later. Sol proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1950-1953 during the Korean War. After the service, he returned to Kennett and resumed his job at James Kahn's store.

Upon the death of their uncle James Kahn, Sol and his brother, Jack, took over the management of the store and soon expanded its operation. It became a shopping destination for the entire area until it closed its doors in 1998 after having served the public for 73 years. Sol was especially proud of the many young people whose first job was at James Kahn's.

Sol became interested in civic affairs, and in 1961, at the urging of his life-long friend, Gerald Gamble, he ran for city council, won that election, and served for two years. He was elected mayor of Kennett in 1963 and served for eight years. Among his proudest achievements were the extension of water and sewer lines to areas of the city not previously served, the paving of over 15 miles of streets, and the opening of Indian Park. Sol took special pride in the integration of our parks, pools and public housing. One of his favorite tasks was writing a monthly column for the Daily Dunklin Democrat and a monthly radio broadcast to inform the public of local civic activities. Sol served for 12 years on the Kennett Board of Public Works. He served for four years as its chairman, thus becoming one of only two citizens who served in both capacities. He helped to oversee the building of its new headquarters, the construction of the city sewage lagoon and the offering of internet service by the city.

Sol was a 68-year member of the Masonic Lodge in which he served as Master. He took special pride in being a veteran and life-long member of the American Legion.

He loved to recall coming to Kennett at age nine, knowing no one and unable to speak a word of English, and yet 25 years later he was chosen to lead his adopted city. He always said: IT COULD ONLY HAPPEN IN AMERICA.

Sol died on August 10, 2022, in his home in Kennett. He was preceded in death by his parents: Sonia and Morris Astrachan, and brother, Jack Astrachan.  He is survived by his sister-in-law, Margot Astrachan of Kennett, and his nephew Michael (Sandee) Astrachan of Nashville, Tennessee.