S.P.O. Phoukham Tran

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Grace Church, 4200 East 25th Street, Des Moines, Iowa, 50317. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Church. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service.

Phoukham Tran was the second born child of his parents, Tui and Toy Tran, and Mau Nguyen. He was born and raised in Laos and graduated from Lycee High School in Laos. After finishing high school, he attended Medical School for three years. He and Chalouaiphone entered into the refugee program, where they immigrated to the US in 1980.

After immigrating here, Phoukham worked at the refugee center, primarily translating. After six months in the refugee program, he worked as a dishwasher for Mercy Hospital. Phoukham was united in marriage to Chalouaiphone Luangphinith on November 20, 1982 at the Kirkwood Hotel in Des Moines. Phoukham was recruited for the Des Moines Police Cadet Program. He served the city for eighteen years and was soon promoted from Cadet to a Police Officer. And after only 2 years was promoted again to Senior Police Officer where he served an additional 12 years for City of Des Moines. While working with DMPD he assisted with the Explorer Post as an advisor. He also assisted in the Special Olympics. He was one of the founding officers who assisted in bridging the gap between the Asian community and the DMPD here in Des Moines during his time with the police department.

Phoukham loved playing soccer and was an excellent forward. He played in many tournaments, and even on the military base at the refugee camp. He also loved to travel and visited many countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Amsterdam, England, Thailand, and Vietnam just to name a few. Phoukham spoke Laotian, Thai, Vietnamese, English and French.

On August 19th, 2011 Phoukham was critically injured while on duty. After a long stint in many rehab facilities, he was sent home where his wife had primarily taken care of him. Phoukham loved his family as well as his law enforcement family. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many.

Phoukham is preceded in death by his parents; three younger brothers, and one niece. He is survived by his wife, Chalouaiphone Tran of Pleasant Hill; his sons, Joe Tran of Pleasant Hill and Andy Tran and his wife, Kelsie, of Des Moines; two grandchildren, Lennon and Veda; six siblings; sixteen nieces and nephews, and six great nieces and great nephews.

Memorials may be directed to the family in loving memory of Phoukham

Fond memories and expression of sympathy may be shared at www.ankenyfuneralhome.com for the Tran Family.