Takeshi Kagawa

The life journey of Takeshi Kagawa Ph.D. came to an end on April 10, 2026, at the age of 82 years, in Clovis, California (CA). He passed away peacefully after a short battle with lymphoma. He was born during World War II in Poston, Arizona to his parents, Takeo and Yasuko (Uota) Kagawa on July 9, 1943. The Poston Relocation Center was one of ten American incarceration/concentration camps where Japanese Americans were interned during World War II. After the war, his parents were allowed to leave Poston and moved to Wheaton, Illinois. After two years, the family moved back to CA and bought a small farm in Fresno, CA where they raised vegetables and grapes. During his school days, his parents commented on how instrumental Takeshi was in helping them on the farm.

Takeshi was bright, inquisitive, and independent. As an example of his inquisitive nature, he transformed a tiny farmhouse bathroom into a photo darkroom where developed a love for photography and learned to process film negatives and make prints. He developed friendships in high school, and fondly remembered many of his classmates and their accomplishments.

Takeshi’s journey continued from Clovis High School to the University of California, Berkeley (UCB), where he received his Bachelor’s of Science degree. After UCB, he spent one year at Fresno State University, then attended Purdue University where he obtained a master’s degree. Continuing on, Takeshi went to UCSanta Cruz (SC) where he received his Ph.D. in the field of plant physiology/biochemistry. From UCSC he moved to Australia to work at Australia’s National Science Agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) for a one-year post-doctoral program. After Australia he went to Washington State University for his final post-doctorate. Takeshi accepted a faculty position at the University of Missouri where he spent several years doing research and teaching. He eventually returned to his roots and helped farm the family almond orchard with his parents in Fresno.

Takeshi was preceded in death by his parents, Takeo and Yasuko Kagawa. Takeshi was the oldest of three siblings and is survived by his younger brother, Takumi Kagawa, D.D.S (Mirei), younger sister, Kimie Kagawa-Chomel M.D. (Bruno), aunts, Kazuko (Uota) Ego and Itsuko Uota and many cousins and their families.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Takeshi Kagawa can be made to: The American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org, or The Fresno Buddhist Temple at https://fresnobuddhisttemple.org (2690 E. Alluvial Ave., Fresno, CA 93720).

Graveside Service will be held at Belmont Memorial Park on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 11:00 am.