Michael Ray Sowa

Lieutenant Commander, USN (Retired)

Loving husband, father, son, and brother, retired Lieutenant Commander, Michael R. Sowa, died in his home on October 21, 2017 in Tampa, FL at the age of 46. Michael grew up in Huffman, Texas, graduating from Willie J. Hargrave High School with honors and a commission in the United States Navy, where he served for 20 years. Following his military career, he supported the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) for eight years as a defense contractor.

Mr. Sowa was born on March 28, 1971 in Houston, TX to Milton W. Sowa and Gladys Jewel Fahrenthold Sowa. Upon graduation from high school in 1989, he joined the United States Navy. He enlisted as an Electrician’s Mate, and he obtained commission via the Nuclear Enlisted Commissioning Program in 1994. Over his 20-year military career, he faithfully served aboard numerous U.S. Navy vessels, including the USS CONNECTICUT, USS SEA WOLF, USS TOLEDO, USS MIAMI, and USS HAWAII. His assignments included experience on Joint Task Forces working with Special Forces, U.S. Agencies and Partner Nations. He served as Chief Engineer on a nuclear fast attack submarine, as a major staff resource manager, as well as an executive level staff officer. Along with submarine and carrier strike group deployments all over the globe, Michael deployed to Joint Task Force – Guantanamo Bay as Deputy Inspector General, and also to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, as Executive Assistant to the Commander.

In 1994, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Cum Laude, at Auburn University, then later he earned a Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering at Auburn University in 2001. At the time of his death, he was serving as a Program Manager and Senior Operations Research Analyst supporting USSOCOM’s J7 Training and Education Division, through Itility, LLC.

Mr. Sowa is survived by his wife, Melissa (Sellers); his daughters Simone Arden Sowa and Aubrie Michaela Sowa; his father Milton W. Sowa; his brothers Mitchell, Milton Jr. (Butch), Matthew, and Marc Andrew (Andy); and his sister Michelle. He is preceded in death by his mother, Gladys.

Mike was a loving husband to his wife Melissa, devoted father to his daughters Arden and Aubrie, and a faithful servant to his country. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Please join us for a memorial service honoring Michael’s life on Saturday, November 4, at 2 pm, Rosewood Funeral Home 2602 S. Houston Ave, Humble, TX 77396. Flowers can be ordered through Rosewood Flower Shop 281-441-1126. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to The Gary Sinise Foundation, TAPS, or other charity whose purpose is to assist child survivors of PTSD-related suicide.