Eli Takesian
February 28, 1932 ~ May 20, 2014
DEATH NOTICE
Eli Takesian (Age 82)
Former Chief Chaplain of the Marine Corp died on May 20, 2014 at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, beloved husband of Margaret B. Takesian.
Born on February 28, 1932 in Methuen, Massachusetts , the son of Stephan and Koharig Takesian and uncle to many loved nephews and nieces. Eli is survived by a sister, Helen Hagopian. His brothers, Raffi, Jack and Vartkis predeceased him.
Eli served in Korea with the 1st Marine Division from November 1951 to November 1952. Following his discharge from the Marine Corp he graduated from Baylor University in 1957. He then continued his education at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland and Princeton Theological Seminary, receiving a master's degree in theology in 1960. The same year Eli was ordained a minister by the United Presbyterian Church. After serving a pastorate in Amsterdam, Ohio, Eli returned to the military as a Navy Chaplain.
Chaplain Takesian served two tours of duty in Vietnam and then spent 20 years as a senior chaplain, becoming Chief Chaplain of the Marine Corps at Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington, D. C.. While in Viet Nam in 1968, even though he was not assigned to the unit, Chaplain Takesian, joined the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines Regiment, 1st Marine Division on the battlefield in Hue City one of the most famous and bloodiest Vietnam War battles. Eli brought prayers, support and hope to the wounded and dying. In 2007, in his home town of Methuen, men of the 1st Battalion 5th Marines had a monument built in remembrance of his bravery.
During his service in the military Chaplain Takesian was awarded a number of combat decorations including the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars with Combat Vs and four Presidential Unit Citations.
He retired from naval service in 1987 and became an associate pastor of the Vienna, Virginia Presbyterian Church retiring in 1995. Until his death Chaplain Takesian continued to provide ministerial services to military retirement communities and churches in Northern Virginia.
Arrangements are pending for a memorial service in June 2014 at Falcons Landing in Potomac Falls, Virginia. Other memorial services will be held later. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Eli Takesian (Age 82)
Former Chief Chaplain of the Marine Corp died on May 20, 2014 at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, beloved husband of Margaret B. Takesian.
Born on February 28, 1932 in Methuen, Massachusetts , the son of Stephan and Koharig Takesian and uncle to many loved nephews and nieces. Eli is survived by a sister, Helen Hagopian. His brothers, Raffi, Jack and Vartkis predeceased him.
Eli served in Korea with the 1st Marine Division from November 1951 to November 1952. Following his discharge from the Marine Corp he graduated from Baylor University in 1957. He then continued his education at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland and Princeton Theological Seminary, receiving a master's degree in theology in 1960. The same year Eli was ordained a minister by the United Presbyterian Church. After serving a pastorate in Amsterdam, Ohio, Eli returned to the military as a Navy Chaplain.
Chaplain Takesian served two tours of duty in Vietnam and then spent 20 years as a senior chaplain, becoming Chief Chaplain of the Marine Corps at Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington, D. C.. While in Viet Nam in 1968, even though he was not assigned to the unit, Chaplain Takesian, joined the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines Regiment, 1st Marine Division on the battlefield in Hue City one of the most famous and bloodiest Vietnam War battles. Eli brought prayers, support and hope to the wounded and dying. In 2007, in his home town of Methuen, men of the 1st Battalion 5th Marines had a monument built in remembrance of his bravery.
During his service in the military Chaplain Takesian was awarded a number of combat decorations including the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars with Combat Vs and four Presidential Unit Citations.
He retired from naval service in 1987 and became an associate pastor of the Vienna, Virginia Presbyterian Church retiring in 1995. Until his death Chaplain Takesian continued to provide ministerial services to military retirement communities and churches in Northern Virginia.
Arrangements are pending for a memorial service in June 2014 at Falcons Landing in Potomac Falls, Virginia. Other memorial services will be held later. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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Laura and I were so saddened to hear of Eli’s passing. The times he spent with her were so special. She just adored him and still wears the shirts he brought back from his round the world journey with Margaret. I also enjoyed all the time talking with him, especially the time spent interviewing him for the book about the history of VPC. He had such a wonderful life, giving so much of himself to others. God has a very special place for him in heaven.
Margaret We are truly sorry to learn of Eli’s premature passing. We have the fondest memories of our time together in the Philippines. No question but that our country and community are poorer for his loss. On a positive note our Lord most certainly has a good Marine and a stalwart steward at his side. Sincerely Peter, Margaret, David & Melissa
I heard Rev. Takesian preach when visiting my mother at Falcons Landing. I was so moved by his sermon and his overwhelming compassion that I wanted to express my condolences to his wife. I know my mother, Helen Ferguson, also held in the highest regard as did so many others.
I will always have such fond memories of Chaplain Takesian. During our time in the Philippines, when family was so far away, Chaplain and Mrs. Takesian were like grandparents to all of us kids on base. His compassion and warmth helped raise us all in the faith, and I will always be grateful for his presence in our lives!
Dear Margaret- The Kraft family sends our warmest condolences. We have fond memories of you, Eli, and our parents’ wonderful friendship. Eli occupies a special place in our hearts as he married me and my husband. We will always remember his loving and humorous personality.
Dear Family- It is truly sad to learn of Eli’s passing, but he certainly led a wonderful life and made a huge difference for so many. I was pleased to re-acquaint in the mid-1990s and enjoyed several exchanges of correspondence. I was pleased to chat with Chaplain Takesian about the positive impact he had on me when I first joined K/3/5 as an 18-year old PFC and encountered him in early 1967. We also talked about my return to Vietnam in 1996 as he prepared for his journey back. My sincere best wishes to the family. Semper Fidelis, Harvey Newton
Dear Margaret and family and friends of Eli, I am so sad for the loss of such a great man. Chap Tak, as some of us kids in his confirmation class in Subic called him, was such a warm and loving person. He presided at my wedding and I was lucky to spend many a meal with him and Margaret over the years. The world is a smaller place without him. In sorrow,
Semper Fi Marine. My late husband and brother both served in Viet Nam during 1968-69. My brother at Khe Sanh, China Beach among others. My late husband Da Nang, Dong Ha and others. The Chaplin’s were so important to them both during their worst experiences as young 19-20 year old boys. Bless Rev. Takesian and may he have everlasting peace.
Brother Eli was the Bravest man I have ever had the honor of serving with in combat. He loved his Marines & they loved him back. This world lost has lost a spiritual man who touched the lives of 10s nay 100,s of thousands of people in the most positive way possible. He was courageous, compassionate ,and filled with the love of God and for all humanity. Rest in eternal peace my dearly loved Brother, I will miss you terribly. However I know the Angels in Heaven are singing with joy as you arrive home! Semper Fidelis … Cajun Bob
Dear Margaret and Family, I just learned of the passing of Eli and was greatly saddened. I knew Eli when he was the pastor of our Presbyterian church in Amsterdam, Ohio. Though only a teenager at the time, I and my family realized what a wonderful person he was. He brought a bit of worldly culture to our little community–getting our youth group into creating plays, visiting our homes and talking of his many global adventures, giving my Mother, Ann Gregor, beautiful linens and china that he had cherished from his travels, and playing (loudly, I might add) his many opera selections for us to hear. He was truly the most giving man I know, even taking time from his busy schedule to rush back to our little town on a moment’s notice when our family was in need of a comforting hand and words of encouragement. I know he will be forever missed. Thoughtfully, Nancy Gregor Hale