Morio Takemoto passed away peacefully on October 8, 2017 at the age of 94. The Colorado born Nisei was a long-time resident of Pasadena.

While living in Lafayette, Colorado, at the age of 21 he was inducted into the US Army in June of 1944 and proudly served his country during WWII as a member of the most highly decorated 442 ^nd Regimental Combat Battalion. He trained in Florida, Maryland and New York. Morio visited tourist sites in Florida, Washington DC and New York while in training. He trained as a rifleman and served in France and Italy. His fondest memory was when he heard, "Cease fire. Pass it on". Germany had surrendered to the Allies on May 7, his birthday.

Like many Nisei, he never spoke of the war but rather the tourist sites he visited. In France he visited Paris and Marseille. In Italy he visited Rome, Milano, Pisa and Genova. He traveled to Switzerland and visited many cities including Zurich, Lucern and Engelberg.

At the end of WWII, in August of 1946, he arrived in New York City, as he was honorably discharged from the US Army and returned to Lafayette.

He is survived by his brother, Ugi (Ruby) Takemoto; also many nieces, nephews and other relatives here and in Colorado.

Services will be held privately in Colorado at a later date.