Paane Konifelenisi Latu

Paane Konifelenisi Latu, of Watauga, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, September 12, 2026 at the age of 72, in Fort Worth, Texas, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born on May 16, 1952 in Ha’apai, Tonga to Alifeleti Uepi Latu and Jane Sybil-Rae Latu. He attended Toloa College and then in 1979, he joined the Tongan Army Defense where he went on to have and extensive career until 2001.

After his career within the Tongan Army, Paane worked in catering from 2001 to 2020, as well as for Envoy Air from 2001-2026. He was a member at the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga and in his free time, he enjoyed attending services and drinking kava. He cherished spending time with his family and loved to be outdoors. It didn’t matter to him what activity was being done, just as long as he got to spend time in the sunshine.  

Paane was known as an incredibly hard worker. He worked for 22 years for the Tongan Army before moving to America with his family and working 2 jobs just to make it. He was the foundation of his family, a wonderful example for his children, and a pillar of support for his community. He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle and friend who will be deeply missed.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Melenaite Sii; parents, Alifeleti & Jane Latu; sisters, Ema Manuatu, Salote Forbes; brother, Sekona Latu; brothers-in-law, Tuisoso Manuatu, Lisiate Skeen; sister-in-law, Katea Latu.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 40 years, Melenaite Talamai Latu. Daughters: Rebekah Taufa and her husband, Salesi, Alisi Latu, Finau and her husband, Sete.  Sons:  Paane Leka and his wife, Luisa Angilau, Samiuela and his wife Anna, Ty and his wife, Anna; sisters, Lesieli Skeen, Amalani Latu,Mele Elisapesi Ngaluafe, Meleheti Vincent, and Mavava Malloy.  Brothers:  Etuini Kelemeni, Tomasi Latu, Sione Misa Latu, Lopeti Latu. Son-in-law, Peni Vea; Sister-in-law, Faila Latu; 32 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and loving friends. 

A visitation will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026 7:00am-12:00pm Free Wesleyan Church Of Tonga in USA 304 S Pipeline Rd W, Euless, TX 76040 with a funeral service beginning at 12pm. A witness cremation will follow services at the church, beginning at 2pm at Forest Ridge Funeral Home 8525 Mid Cities Blvd. North Richland Hills, Texas 76182.