Kapkeo 'Kappy' Khiemdavanh

New Iberia - Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, December 17, 2017, at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia for Kapkeo "Kappy" Khiemdavanh, 79, who passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2017, at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette surrounded by his family. Cremation will follow. A gathering of family and friends will be Saturday from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia. Visitation will continue on Sunday from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm. A native of Pakse, Laos, Mr. Khiemdavanh joined Laos Royal Army at the age of 13, and served until his retirement. While in the Laos Royal Army, he was a Lt. General in the Green Berets. Mr. Khiemdavanh also worked with the U.S. Army and the CIA as a telecommunicator. In 1979, he and his family, immigrated to New York, and then moved to New Iberia in 1987 to work in the oilfield, and later retiring from Unifab. A very intelligent and athletic person, Mr. Khiemdavanh spoke five different langauges, and was a very outgoing friendly and understanding person. He enjoyed sports, politics, reading, fishing, and supporting his grandchildren in all of their activities. He loved his family more than anything in life. Mr. Khiemdavanh never told his children no, but instead always encouraged them to be their very best. Survivors include his one true love, his wife of 55 years, Oulay Saechae Khiemdavanh of Youngsville; daughters, Pon K. Foreman of Youngsville, Chonephet K. Nitchin and husband Charlee Nitchin, Sr. of Youngsville, Thonephet "Tawn" K. Boyer and husband Lee Boyer of Youngsville, Thip K. Evans and husband Travis Evans of New Iberia, Phett K. Neuville and husband Darrell Neuville, Jr. of New Iberia; sons, Sakhone "FO" Khiemdavanh of Youngsville, Din Khiemdavanh of Youngsville; grandchildren, Derek Roe, Soumbay Khiemdavanh, Savon Khiemdavanh, Hope Nitchin, Hollee Nitchin, Charlee Nitchin, Jr., Saxon Fuqua, Harry Boyer, Ryan Linder, Kaddin Khiemdavanh, Landin Khiemdavanh, Taige Evans, Tinsley Evans, D.J. Neuville, III, Phoebe Neuville; 3 great grandchildren, 2 brothers and 2 sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents, Khiem Khiemdavanh, mother, Thongpanh Khiemdavanh grandchildren, Kyle Foreman, and Keifer Foreman, and a sister. Pallbearers will be Sakhone "FO" Khiemdavanh, Charlee Nitchin Sr., Lee Boyer, Din Khiemdavanh, Travis Evans, and Darrell Neuville Jr. Honorary pallbearers include Charlee Nitchin Jr., Saxon Fuqua, Harry Boyer, D.J. Neuville III, Bruce Chanhkongsing, Chris DePaul, Souba Khiemdavanh, and Savon Khiemdavanh. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Timothy Viator, Dr. Melissa Harrington, Dr. Andre Odom, Dr. Gupta, Dr. Savant, Dr. Henry Kaufman, Dr. William Roth, Dr. Buttaci, Dr. Luis Alvarez, Dr. Joshua Landes, Patient Care Medical Supply, and Home Care Assistance. Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560, 337.365.3331 is in charge of arrangements.