1SGT (Ret) Saipan Taulago Te'o

Saipan Taulago Te’o, son of the late Taulago Te’o and Sauso’o (Ta’a) Te’o, was born on April 23, 1955, in Utulei, American Samoa. He spent his childhood in Utulei until the age of 14, when he relocated to Carson, California. After moving, Saipan attended Carson High School and graduated from there. At the age of 17, Saipan joined the United States Army, where he served a total of 24 years faithfully until his retirement. Throughout his military career, he was stationed at various posts, eventually arriving at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, in 1994. After retiring in 1998, Saipan chose to stay in the area. He achieved the rank of First Sergeant and was honored with multiple awards and commendations. These included the Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal (6th Award), Army Superior Unit Award (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (4th Award), Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar, Senior Parachutist Badge, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, and French Forces Commando Badge. After his retirement, Saipan became a member of the Disabled American Veterans. On September 23, 1982, Saipan married Dareen Lee Rush in Berlin, Germany. Together, they enjoyed more than 43 years of marriage and were blessed with three children: Jason, Andrea and Manu. Following his retirement from the military, Saipan was able to pursue his hobbies and enjoy the activities he loved. He appreciated spending time outdoors, whether hunting, fishing, or golfing. Above all, his family—especially his grandchildren—were his pride and joy, and he cherished family gatherings and large BBQs, treasuring every moment spent together. Saipan passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, Missouri, at the age of 70. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him. Saipan is survived by his wife, Dareen Lee Te’o; his children, Andrea Te’o-Gillen (Christopher Gillen) of Waynesville, MO, and Manu Te’o (Lexie) of New Bloomfield, MO; and five grandchildren: Savannah Te’o, Lualani Carter, Fuaau To’a Te’o-Gillen, Leilee Te’o, Manu Te’o Jr. He also leaves behind many brothers, sisters, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Saipan was preceded in death by his son Jason, as well as several brothers and sisters. Even though he is gone from our sight, Saipan’s commitment to his country and his family will live on in our hearts forever. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2026 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Chaplain (MAJ) Benjamin Reed officiating. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville, Missouri with military honors being provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Saipan Te’o and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

1SGT (Ret) Saipan Taulago Te'o

April 23, 1955 - March 7, 2026