SFC (Ret) Tak Ung Lee

February 24, 1942 - April 8, 2019

SFC (Ret) Tak Ung Lee, son of the late Bong Chun Lee and Bong Ye (Chun) Lee, was born February 24, 1942 in Seoul, Korea. Tak Ung grew up in Korea and served with the Korean Navy for several years before coming to the United States where he entered the United States Army. During his time in the Korean Navy and the United States Army, he was able to travel and live in more than 40 countries. He served faithfully and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: Volunteer Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (5th Award), Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar, Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Grenade Bar. Tak Ung retired having attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. On July 24, 1977, Tak Ung was united in marriage to Joung Ok Hong at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. They shared over 41 years of marriage together and were blessed with two children: Kathrynn and Richard. After retiring from the military, Tak Ung continued serving his country as a civil service employee. He worked as a medical records manager at the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital for 10 years. In his spare time, Tak Ung loved to play golf and was an avid golfer for the past 21 years. He was surprisingly a very good harmonica player and carpenter. Tak Ung was very good at fixing anything mechanical or making anything. He dabbled in small engine repair and while in the Korean Navy he served as a ship engine mechanic. Tak Ung was a faithful member of the Saint Cornelius Catholic Church and served as a Eucharist Minister for the church. Tak Ung passed away Monday, April 8, 2019 in the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri having attained the age of 77 years. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those who knew and loved him. Tak Ung leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife: Joung Lee of the home; two children: Rich Lee (Clare) of Brooklyn, NY and Kathi Kang (Junboum) of Concord, CA; three grandchildren: Jack and Max Lee and Aidan Kang; four sisters: Joung Ja Lee, Joung Sook Lee, Joung Ae Lee and Joung Ok Lee; two brothers: Joung Sik Lee and Joung Oh Lee; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 12, 2019 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Father Joseph Hoi officiating. Tak Ung’s son, Rich Lee, recalled his wonderful memories of his father. The songs “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art” were played and serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors followed in the Resurrection Cemetery of St. Robert. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.