Phong Van Phan

Phong Van Phan obituary, Nevada, TX

Phong Van Phan

Phong Phan Obituary

Visit the Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home - Lavon website to view the full obituary.
Phong Phan, 82, died February 1, 2021 at Baylor Scott & White Hospital, Plano, Texas. At family request, private service will be held for family only. Mr. Phan was born August 25, 1938, in Bui Chu, Nam Dinh Province in North Vietnam to Phat and Che Phan. Mr. Phan lived an amazing life. At the age of 16, he fled from the First Indochina War to South Vietnam in search of freedom. In 1963, he worked and met his wife Khen at the French Bakery Shop in Xon Moi. He served in the South Vietnamese army from 1969 to 1973. After the fall of South Vietnam, he took his family, and escaped by boat to Malaysia in 1978. His family ended up in Des Moines, Iowa in the winter of 1979 under a relative sponsorship. He then worked for the Deluxe Printing Check Company in Des Moines for 20 years. He retired in 2003 on a small farm in Nevada, Texas where he wanted to live in peace, enjoyed gardening and fishing for the rest of his life. He is survived by his wife of 58 years. Khen and his children: Thai (Thao), Duy (Loan), Andrew (Huyen), Toi, Ngu (Jen), Lieu (Ken), and grandchildren Tiphany, Megan, Kate, Maria, Mitchell, Molly, Ashlyn, Gavin, and Maura. Mr. Phan is preceded in death by one son, Phu. In lieu of flowers please donate to the St. Jude's cancer research: https://www.stjude.org/donate/pm.html?sc_dcm=58700006164806961&sc_cid=kwp75473&source_code=IIQ190721002&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAiAjeSABhAPEiwAqfxURbY_hE-IrrRnvqzLzB40Ny6TtLk3xg7UOGzmmriC9RlaKx-7AnaKCRoCG84QAvD_BwE Services entrusted to Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home.

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February 6, 2021

Khiem Hoang and Family posted to the memorial.

February 5, 2021

Mike Crivaro posted to the memorial.

February 5, 2021

Kenneth Triplett posted to the memorial.

6 Entries

Khiem Hoang and Family

February 6, 2021

My family was one of the many families sponsored by Mr. Phan when we came to the United States. Even though we were not related and did not even know each other previously, he was gracious enough to extend to us his kindness. In that phase of newness and uncertainty, he guided us every step of the way, from the little details like paperwork to the adjustment to a completely new way of life. He encouraged us when we suffered from homesickness. He advised us to take English as a Second Language classes. He helped us to obtain our driver's licenses and jobs so we could be self-sufficient. He always considered us as family friends, keeping in touch with us even after he moved to Texas. We are forever grateful for all that he had done for us. We would not be where we are without him. He will be greatly missed and will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God welcome Mr. Phan into His arms. Heaven has gained the addition of a kind, loving man who touched many lives during his own.

Mike Crivaro

February 5, 2021

Phong and I worked together at Deluxe check printers. When I interviewed Phong he didn't speak any English and he had to have an interpreter. We hired Phong and it didn't take him long to pick up the language. He made himself a home at Deluxe and became a large part of a family that still stays
In contact even after 24 and half years. Phong was a very close friend and we kept in touch often. He will truly be missed.

Kenneth Triplett

February 5, 2021

Phong is my wife's father. The last year I spent getting to know him and his wife-Khen. I will always remember walking through their front door and the Hiiiiiiiiiiii Ken that I was greeted by every single time. My wife and I spent a lot of time with her old people I was there the day he got the Covid Diagnosis and there the last time we took him to the Infusion Clinic. Words cannot describe the loss I feel knowing I will never hear Hiiiiiiii Ken ever again. Phong-rest in peace. We will take care of Khen.

Sen Dinh

February 4, 2021

Phong he is my uncle. He is the third brother of my mother. When I first came to the USA I lived with him. He took care of me and my sister. He gave us the opportunity to get our first experience and education in the new country. I always remember he said: America is an opportunity country if you work hard you will become successful. He had set a great example for us to become successful himself. He had been working hard all his life.
Dear uncle, you are leaving us so soon and so suddenly. Remember we still have many plans. Thanks for all the time we spent together especially the past four times we got together with all your sisters and brother. Thanks for all you have done for us. Thanks for your kindness and loving for me always. Please Rest In Peace uncle and don't you worry about anything especially your wife Khen. We will keep her company and cheer her up until we will all meet again in the land of God.
Goodbye my uncle!

Carol Holmes

February 3, 2021

I worked with Phong at Deluxe Check Printers. He always had a smile and positive attitude. My husband & I even attended several of his New Year's celebrations. While the Des Moines Deluxe Check Printers closed 94-95 (?), many of us have stayed in contact with Phong and each other over the years. When Phong was back to Iowa in November, 2018, we had a get together (one of the biggest ones we have had because everyone wanted to see Phong). The Deluxe family are thinking of Khen and his family in the days ahead. Thank you for sharing him with us. R.I.P. Phong We love you

Mary Cotnwell

February 3, 2021

I will always remember Phong as a sweet and loving man to everyone. He was always happy, smiling and sharing a kind word. He was a joy to work with and to be around. I know he will be so very missed by all who knew and loved him. Rest In Peace dear man and God Bless your family with all the memories they will hold forever of you.

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Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Home - Lavon

FM 6 & State Rte 78 2343 Lake Rd, Lavon, TX 75166

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Sign Phong Phan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 6, 2021

Khiem Hoang and Family posted to the memorial.

February 5, 2021

Mike Crivaro posted to the memorial.

February 5, 2021

Kenneth Triplett posted to the memorial.