Paul Villalaz Soriano

Paul V. Soriano, 77 of Troy Mo. went to be with the Lord on November 16, 2025, in Warrenton, Missouri. Paul was born in Salvatierra, Guanajuato, Mexico, on January 13, 1948, to J. Jesús Soriano Ambriz and Luz Amalia Villalaz de Soriano. His roots were deep in Mexico—his father born in Salvatierra and his mother in Guadalajara, Jalisco—and he carried those roots proudly throughout his life.

Paul came to the United States at a young age in pursuit of the American dream. With determination and an incredible work ethic, he spent nearly his entire career and Retired with General Motors, a place where his hands, humor, and dedication left lasting impressions.

He is survived by his two children, Carol Soriano of Yuba City Ca.; and Paul Soriano of Helena, Mt, and his grandchildren, Isabell Soriano and Maciah Soriano. He is also survived by his siblings, who live in Xalapa Veracruz Mexico. Jose Jesús Soriano; Maricela De la Luz; Vicente Alfredo; Rosa Carmina; Martha Carolina; Jorge Armando; Carlos Manuel; Luis Rodolfo; and Fernando Roberto; He is preceded in death by parents Jesús Soriano Ambriz and Luz Amalia Villalaz de Soriano, and his brothers Francisco Xavier; Alejandro Rafael.

Paul loved the outdoors—fishing, hunting, camping, or simply being outside brought him peace. His daughter fondly remembers the time he invited her camping, only for her to discover the “no bathroom” situation, and the fishing trip where she begged to go but refused to touch the fish or the worms. “That was probably the last time he wanted to take me fishing,” she laughs.

He was known for being a talker—a real talker. Paul could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. A quick trip to the store often turned into an hour-long conversation with a stranger in aisle seven. It was simply who he was: warm, social, and endlessly curious.

Paul was a simple man in the best way. He wore the same few colors—dark blue, gray, black, brown, and occasionally green—and he never met a plaid shirt he didn’t like. (He'd say they were perfect for driving.) He loved collecting things (a bit of a packrat), tinkering with his trucks, and fixing anything he could get his hands on. One cherished memory: while fixing his daughter’s brakes, he asked her for a tool in Spanish. She had no idea what the tool was in English, and they laughed together until their sides hurt. “Your too much, Mija,” he teased.

Above all, Paul lived a life marked by hard work, resilience, humor, and love. He chased the American dream, achieved it, and leaves behind a family who will forever carry his stories and spirit.

Paul will be cremated, with no service held in Missouri. A private family service will take place in California at a later date.

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