Jose Cruz Taijeron

Jose Cruz Taijeron was born on January 30th, 1943, in Agana, Guam during the WWII Japanese Occupation of Guam. One of his earliest memories was that of himself hiding behind his mother while an American Marine was trying to give him a piece of candy. His early memories of seeing soldiers and marines on the island were a big contributing factor to him joining the army after he graduated from George Washington High School in 1962. Jose served in the US Army from June 1962 – Oct 1986. He fought in Vietnam 1969-1970. He was proud of his service to his country and fellow countrymen in the Signal Corp.

After his retirement from the Army, he worked with GTE setting up cell towers throughout the world. He especially enjoyed working in the jungles of Argentina and he said that Patagonia was one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen. Jose also worked as a contractor setting up the automation of mail sorting in the postal service throughout the United States in the 1990’s. Jose spent years helping to establish digital technology throughout the world and yet he refused to use a computer at home, and his cell phone was always a simple flip phone.

Jose will be remembered by his family for his love of fishing, for his amazing cooking and grilling skills, for his daily crossword puzzles, and for his love of donuts; but mostly he will be remembered for working hard all his life to provide for his family. Jose lived a full life and passed away peacefully on Nov. 6th, 2025, at the age of 82.

Jose was preceded in death by his first wife Helen Lee Taijeron (Yi Song Suk) 1999 and his second wife Elke Maria Taijeron, 2012.

Jose is survived by his son Joseph Taijeron (Debra) of Round Rock TX, daughter Sonia Taijeron Fulton (Sean) of Overland Park KS, son Peter Taijeron (Jeff) of Loveland CO, stepdaughter Jennifer Dawber (John) of Ft. Bliss TX; grandchildren Ethan (Bianca), Jossi, Isabella, Samuel; and great granddaughter Maristella.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) at help.dav.org.