Michael DeGuzman Navato

Michael DeGuzman Navato, M.D., of Lee's Summit, Missouri, born July 29, 1957, in Manila, Philippines, passed away at Centerpoint Hospital, Independence, Missouri, on September 21, 2021. Michael was the eldest child of Jose R. Navato, MD, and Mercy DeGuzman Navato, R.Ph. The consummate big brother, Michael kept vigilant watch over his mischievous younger siblings, always with their best interests at heart.
The Navato family immigrated to the United States in 1969, quickly adapting to and thriving in America. At the age of 15, Michael began attending Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in both Chemistry and Biology. Soon after graduation, he took up a chance to train with the United States Army and was appreciated for his "sharpshooter" skills (marksman designation)-- an experience that remained close to his heart and retold with pride for years to come. He continued his education, becoming the first of the Navato children to follow the family tradition and attend medical school, graduating with Doctor of Medicine in 1982. After graduation, Michael followed his father into the practice of Psychiatry and was an integral part of the family's pioneering inventions of medical devices.

Dr. Navato treated patients throughout Kansas City and Missouri, often bringing his children along on rounds to the point where each still recount which hospitals have the best doctor's lounges. A truly caring doctor, his concern for the health and wellbeing of his patients was only surpassed by his love for his family. Michael was a caring and motivating father, seeing to it that each of his children excelled academically and also musically, artistically, athletically, and/or theatrically, wherever the children's respective talents led.

Michael met Mariel Otayza, MD, the love of his life, in 1981, while enrolled at the Far Eastern University School of Medicine and they were united in marriage on May 28, 2000. Michael and Mariel were inseparable, both practicing psychiatry and attending recitals, musicals, sporting events, Filipino and Medical Association balls and galas as a pair.
Michael was a prolific artist, filling his and his family's homes with abstract paintings. He loved music of diverse stylings, action films, photography, and good food, regardless of style or origin. A lifelong learner, Michael was awarded his Black Belt in Taekwondo at the age of 57. An entertainer at heart, he especially enjoyed hosting or attending parties (or feasts) with his family and friends.

Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Mercy DeGuzman Navato, R.Ph., and is survived and mourned by his spouse and best friend, Mariel Navato; children: Abigail (Brian) Lalor, Anna (Luke) Henry, Olivia Navato, and Michael Anthony Navato; father, Jose Navato, MD; siblings: Cielo (Doug) Navato-Dehning, MD, Alma (Ricardo) Navato "Garchitorena," MD, and Nicholas Navato, DO; and his nieces, nephews, cousins, patients and friends.
Michael's life will be honored with a visitation on Saturday, October 16, 2021, from 10-11AM (CST), to be followed immediately by the Requiem Mass from 11-12:30PM at St. Mark's Catholic Church, 3736 S. Lee's Summit Rd., Independence, MO 64055.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark's Catholic Church, Independence, MO, or to Friends of Psychiatry Foundation.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600).