Thongdeng Luangasa

ThongDeng LuangAsa, 94, of Elkhart, passed away January 17, 2020.

He was a loving husband to his wife, Pheng, and father to 12 children.

He was born in Laos, and became an officer in the Royal Lao Army, Secret Military Police. ThongDeng and countless others bravely fought the spread of Communism through Laos during the Vietnam War and Lao Civil War. During this conflict, ThongDeng and his wife, Pheng, decided to flee the country with their children in order to start a safer life for the family. The West Goshen Church of the Brethren lovingly sponsored the couple and several of their children to come to the United States.  The family arrived to cold, snowy northern Indiana in December 1979.

ThongDeng retired from Johnson Controls, Goshen, where he had worked as a custodian.

ThongDeng truly had a passion for family, and loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

ThongDeng was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, two daughters, Khamphou and Manivanh, son, Jonh Kham, and five other children that passed away during childbirth.

He is survived by his wife, Pheng, four children; son, Phoumy Jim (Phongsay) LuangAsa, daughter, Khanthavy LuangAsa (Brian) Clinger, son, Saly (Sandy) LuangAsa and son, Sisay Poy (Manixay) LuangAsa: along with 26 grandchildren and 31+ great-grandchildren (with more on the way!).

Services for ThongDeng are scheduled for Saturday, January 25, 2020, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen.  The Buddhist monks will oversee the service.

Flowers or donations in ThongDeng’s name can be sent to Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, 1911 South Main Street, Goshen.