Azad Khan

Azad (Emran) Khan, of Puyallup, Washington passed away on May 28, 2023, at the age of 74. He was born on March 12, 1949 in Point Fortin, Trinidad and Tobago, where he grew up working in the Khan Roti Shop. In 1969, Azad immigrated to the United States and two years later, enlisted in the US Army.

A 30-year military career followed, taking Azad all over the world, including service in both the Persian Gulf War and the War in Afghanistan. He spent most of his career in logistics, ultimately retiring as a highly decorated Command Sergeant Major, the second highest possible rank for enlisted soldiers. He continued service to the United States military as a contractor and entered full retirement in 2014.

Azad was also a graduate of the University of Maryland, attaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Management.

Kind, hard-working, and devoted to his Islamic faith, Azad was actively involved in gardening, traveling, and faith-based charities. He was generous and always helped people anyway he could. He loved his family and friends and spent countless hours visiting with them on the phone or on FaceTime from across the miles.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Kassieran Khan; father, Yusuff Khan; brother, Wahid Khan; and sister, Jasmin Khan Gopeesingh.

Azad is survived by his wife, Sharazard Gaffoor Khan; six children, Natasha Miller, Aaron Khan, Debbie Edith Plaza, Azad Khan Jr., Catherine Quiros, and Camille George; eleven grandchildren, Shayla Miller, Kyra Miller, Marissa Miller, Alejandra Joedith Plaza, Alejandro Josue Plaza, Julianna Edith Plaza, Sabine Khan, Eli Khan, Kenzo Quiros, Chloe Quiros and Leo Quiros; five siblings, Farzan Khan, Feeryad Khan, Nizamudeen Khan, Salima Khan, Zalina Khan; father-in-law, Shaffie Mohammed Gaffoor, and countless beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank Russel Sena, the medical professionals at Good Samaritan Hospital, and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, for the care and compassion they showed Azad in his final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral service, with full military honors, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, on August 17, 2023, at 9 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Azad to Semper Fi & America’s Fund to help critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families.

https://thefund.org/donate/