Obituary of Michael Joseph Souza

Memorial Services for Michael Joseph Souza of Old Monroe, MO will be at 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home near Winfield, MO. Mike, 76, passed away late Friday morning, January 23, 2026 at his home. Born June 23, 1949 in Lakeport, CA, he was the son of Nestor P. and Aldina Silva Souza. Mike served his country in the United States Naval Reserves and active duty in Vietnam from September 11, 1968 until his honorable discharge on December 22, 1969. Mike was united in marriage on May 19, 1973 in Reno, NV to Gwen Madelyn Lauritzen. This union was blessed with one son, Nathan Lee. Mike worked as a maintenance machinist on heavy industrial equipment for several companies in California and Missouri. He was a proud union member and Democrat. Mike could fix or build anything. He loved his toys including Camaros, Harley Sportster, fast boats and later in life, slow boats. Most of all he loved his family. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Nestor and Aldina Souza; sister, Joyce Zell; nephew, Roderick Souza Jr; and great-nephew, Anthony Fernandes. Survivors include his beloved wife of 52 years, Gwen Souza of Old Monroe; and their son, Nathan of St. Charles, MO. Mike also leaves one brother, Roderick Souza and his wife, Betty, of Lucerne, CA; one sister, Lydia Fernandes of Antelope, CA; other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of the Service at 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home near Winfield. Memorials may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 3838 East Highway 47, P.O. Box 253, Winfield, MO 63389.