Captain Lo Vang Kiatoukaysy

Lo Vang was born on March 4, 1945, in Ban Hong Nong, Sam Nua, Laos, the son of Boua Lue Lo and Zuag Vaj Lo Kiatoukaysy, and the eldest of 12 children. He grew up in Houaphanh Province, where his academic ability and leadership were recognized early. After completing Udomseuksa (ອຸດົມສຶກສາ) (post-upper secondary education), he was recruited by the CIA and trained as a Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) medic. He proudly served alongside American servicemen during the Vietnam War and became Regional Supervisor for Xieng Khouang Village from 1962 to 1970.

In January 1965, he was awarded the Purple Heart after sustaining injuries while heroically rescuing CIA Paramilitary Operations Officer Tony Poe and carrying him to safety near Lima Site 86. In 1972, he was promoted to Captain of Battalion 232 GM 26, where he commanded more than 300 servicemen.

Following the end of the war, Lo Vang and his family were granted refugee status in recognition of his courageous service alongside U.S. forces. Because of his valor and sacrifice, the American government afforded him and his family safe passage to the United States. On April 2, 1976, they resettled in Hutchinson, Kansas, under the sponsorship of the United Methodist Church. There, he built a new life from humble beginnings, working as a dedicated lab technician at the Hutchinson Dental Center for 34 years until his retirement in 2010.

Lo Vang was well known for his military service, his advocacy on behalf of Hmong veterans, and his remarkable gift for storytelling. He also had a deep love for farming and gardening, raising as many as 300–400 chickens and a herd of 30 pygmy goats. Together with his wife, May Lee, he tended elaborate gardens that reflected and celebrated their Hmong heritage.

When speaking of his military service, Lo Vang did so with honor, respect, and purpose. He often shared his experiences with local military organizations and the public as an advocate and representative of the Lao-Hmong American Coalition of Kansas, ensuring that younger generations understood the realities of war and the sacrifices made.

Strong-willed and independent, Lo Vang’s personality was both a source of humor and challenge to those who loved him. His independent spirit also shaped the course of his life—choosing to settle in the Midwest with his family while many of his siblings moved to Colorado, California, and Minnesota. There, he and May Lee raised their children, built a community, and thrived.

Just as he had valued education during his formative years in Laos, Lo Vang instilled in his children the importance of learning and hard work. Recognizing that the Buhler Unified School District was among the strongest in the region, he and his wife saved diligently to purchase a home within the district so their children could have access to the best opportunities. His commitment paid off—his children thrived in academics, athletics, cheerleading, and tennis, and each went on to complete college at institutions including Kansas State University, Emporia State University, the University of Oklahoma, and Hunter College of New York. For a family of recent immigrants, these accomplishments stand as both a remarkable achievement and a lasting testament to Lo Vang’s legacy.

In 2019, Lo Vang and May Lee moved to Greeley, Kansas, to be closer to their adult children and medical care. Above all else, Lo Vang cherished his family. He will be remembered for his strength, leadership, and devotion—but most of all for the love he poured into his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Voua Lo Kiatoukaysy; his parents Boua Lue Lo and Zuag Vaj Lo Kiatoukaysy; his brothers Kaub and Thaiv Kiatoukaysy; and his sisters Laug and Ntxawm Kiatoukaysy.

He is survived by his wife May Lee; his sons Lo Xao, Lo Fong, Lo Vong, and Lo Phong La Kiatoukaysy; his daughter Tao Lo Kiatoukaysy-Cargill; his daughters-in-law Merry, Ka, and Youa Kiatoukaysy; his son-in-law Steven Cargill; his brothers Txoovkav and Vamzoo Kiatoukaysy; his sisters Ntxoov Lee, Blia Thao, Yangmee Lee, Maiv Yang, and Sua Ho; his grandchildren Grace, Dylan, Brandon, Andrew, Adam, Andy, Ricky, Luckey, Kristyn, Caleb, Justin, Elias Kiatoukaysy and Cassidie, Maggie, Charlotte Cargill; as well as many extended family members and friends who will carry his memory forward.

Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and again from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. On Sunday, October 19, 2025, family, friends, and guests are invited to gather from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to remember and honor Lo Vang’s life by sharing memories, followed by an evening service from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Services will take place at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, and Mount Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO 64131.

Following each service, guests are warmly invited to join the family for a meal on site.

Burial services will take place on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Mt. Moriah, followed by an escorted procession to Gates of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 12600 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66109 where Lo Vang will be laid to rest in eternal peace.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the “Lo Vang Kiatoukaysy Memorial Fund” at First Option Bank, 601 Main, Osawatomie, KS 66064.