Khamsene Vongphrachanh

ວັນເກີດ - ວັນທີ1ມັງກອນ 1944

ສິ້ນສຸດຊີວິດ - ວັນທີ27ສີງຫາ 2019

Khamsene Vongphrachanh passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, August 27, 2019.

He was born January 1, 1944, in Thatluang, Vientiane, Laos to VanhThong Vongphrachanh and Khai Luangrath. He served as an army lieutenant in the Royal Lao Army and was also an English instructor.

In August 1976, he and his family immigrated to Memphis, TN, where Khamsene worked as a social worker for Catholic Charities. He helped countless dislocated Southeast Asian refugees navigate their new lives in America by settling new refugee families in the Memphis community: assisting them with finding housing, obtaining employment, and accessing medical services. He continued to teach English and offered translation services and served as a leader and advocate for the Memphis Lao community.

Khamsene then attended a technical institute where he trained as a machinist. He worked for Smith & Nephew Richards for 22 years, from where he retired. He worked tirelessly to not only support his family but also the Lao community.

Khamsene, or affectionately known as Ba, is survived by his wife of 54 years, Douane Khamvongsa; their five children and spouses (Virasack and June Vongprachanh, Sirilack and Chris Kitchens, Maniso and Darin Harrison, Phothisath and Bret Johnston, and Ratdaphone and Michael Ada); and their ten grandchildren (Lucy Kelly, Brittany Kitchens, Nicholas Vongprachanh, Everett Harrison, Thavida Johnston, Keomali Johnston, Ariana Ada, Tristan Ada, Mia Ada, and Keira Ada). He is also survived by multiple siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews who loved and respected him dearly.

Khamsene’s Buddhist faith and pride in Lao heritage were central, guiding features that shaped his life. He loved to travel, spend time with his family and friends, watch old Western cowboy movies, and knew how to enjoy a good meal.

The family would like to thank our relatives, the Lao community, friends, co-workers, Crossroads Hospice, and Family Funeral Care for their kindness and support during this time.