Captain Khammanh LeuamChampassak passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the age of 87. He was surrounded by the love and presence of his family in his last days.
Khammanh was born in Banyong, Laos on August 4, 1938. He was proud of his Lao heritage, growing up in the southern province of Champassak.
During his early life, Laos experienced periods of conflict as it transitioned from a French colony to an independent state. When he became of age, he enlisted with the Royal Lao Armed (RLA) forces. The RLA accepted him into its prestigious Military Academy’s officer training program at Chinaimo as part of the 18th Class held from 1963-1965, code named “Khoun Bourom.”
Later, as part of US efforts to collaborate with foreign allies, he trained with a select group at the US Army Armor School at Fort Knox, Kentucky in 1972 as a 1st Lieutenant. While there, he became friends with a Christian couple, Jim and Mary Ann Mallard, who shared their faith with him. Khammanh accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was baptized as a Christian to the amazement and disbelief of his fellow Lao officers who remained Buddhist. John 3:16 became his lifelong Bible verse.
After his return, he earned the rank of Captain (Loei Êek) and was soon to be promoted to Major (Phan Trïï). However, this was not to be as Laos fell to communist forces by 1975, causing millions of refugees to flee. While reviewing options for resettlement, he had an offer to join the French military as a Major but declined due to his preference for the US.
He expressed in interviews with US Foreign Service staff a willingness to go anywhere in America as long as it was a Christian community. At this time, the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) began efforts to help thousands of refugees from Southeast Asia. Harderwyk CRC accepted his application. A warm, long-term relationship began with this church community, led by Jerry and Alice Hertel, whom he affectionately called “Papa” and “Mama.”
Khammanh arrived in Holland, Michigan on February 15, 1979, marking the first time people of Lao ethnicity settled in the Holland/Zeeland area. The local press published several stories regarding the family. He used those opportunities to spread good news about the community. He hosted families at his home at 702 East 8th Street, which was nicknamed “Hotel 702” by immigrants. Over time, those with Lao heritage would become the largest Asian minority group in the area.
Although he missed his homeland, he accepted that change in Laos was permanent and sought to live in peace. His desire was to give future generations a better life in his newly adopted country. He was proud to be an American and enjoyed improving his English skills. Two constant books by his side were a dictionary and an illustrated picture Bible.
He is preceded by his parents Leuam and Champa; siblings Vone Luangmala, Thongchanh Douangmala, Khamphan Douangmala, James LeuamChampa (formerly Khamphouy Douangmala), and Khambeuy Douangmala; sons Yangyung LeuamChampassak and Mark Andrew Champassak.
He is survived by his former wife Thongwan LeuamChampassak; siblings Khampheuy Douangmala and Bountheung Sengsavang; children Khamphouvanh Douangmala, Kenny (April) Douangmala, Mesa (Douane) Sayaloune, Khongkha Douangmala, Thunthang (Karen) LeuamChampassak, ChangCheuang (“Sunny/Xiang”) LeuamChampassak, Khankham (“KK”) LeuamChampassak, and Francine Grace Champassak; grandchildren Kenny Douangmala, Tamara Douangmala, Duane Sayaloune, Dolly (Michael) Vadovsky, Ruth LeuamChampassak, Marie LeuamChampassak, and Grace LeuamChampassak; great grandchildren Troy Douangmala, Cora Douangmala, Mila Douangmala, Koa Douangmala, Kaydon Potter, Aurora Sayaloune, Van Sayaloune, Cameron Vadovsky, Mia Vadovsky and Luke Vadovsky.
A memorial service will take place on Saturday, November 1 at 11:00 AM at Harderwyk Ministries, 1627 W Lakewood Blvd. in Holland, Michigan. A one-hour visitation will take place prior to the service at 10:00 AM.
After the service, the family requests those who identify with Lao ethnicity remain in the sanctuary to take group photos and commemorate the legacy left by Captain Khammanh.
Memorial contributions may be made to Harderwyk Ministries.
Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Home-Downtown Holland Chapel.
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