Khamphanh "Phanh" Louangrath, age 79 of Murfreesboro died January 13, 2018 at Saint Thomas West Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. He was a native of Vientiane, Laos and was a senior level government officer and civil servant at the Ministry of Education for the Royal Lao Government. Mr. Khamphanh was a man who had risen from humble beginnings as the son of rice farmers, became certified as a high school school teacher, worked his way to become principal at that school (Lycee De Vientiane), to serving at the Office of the Minister (Lao Ministry of Education) as Director of Personnel Management.

The Vietnam War resulted in Director Khamphanh's immigration to the United States in 1977. He was a man who was widely admired for his knowledge in various subjects within academia and his unending generousity towards loved ones, friends, and strangers. His hobbies and talents were French (speaking, reading, and writing), painting, reading, cooking, writing, farming, and translating ancient Buddhist Text from Sanskrit to Lao. Mr. Khamphanh was a community leader within the Lao diaspora in the US and helped several families resettle and assimilate into American society. He was president of the Wat Lao Buddharam Temple Committee. He always kept the same notebook that he bought 30 years ago that had the contact information of old friends and lost relatives and would update the contact information every few months. Keeping in touch with many people, Khamphanh cherished relationships and touched many lives. He was affectionately known as "Phor Tou" by his grandchildren and was the patriarch of a large family that spans several states and countries around the world and will be greatly missed by his entire family. His great contributions to the Lao American community in Tennessee will always be remembered and respected.

He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Seng "Mary" Louangrath of Murfreesboro; daughters, Manivanh "Ting" Phommyvong, Manichanh "Awn" Rattanavong, LeAnn "Khack" Itsaleumsack, Thui Louangrath, Thack Itsaleumsack, Air Thepasone and Noi Itsaleumsack all of Murfreesboro; sons Dalen Louangrath, Ounekham Itsaleumsack and Phile "Pon" Louangrath of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Linda Brown, Nita Snodgrass, Jane Phommyvong, Gary Rattanavong, Kowin Itsaleumsack, Alton Itsaleumsack, Bobby Rattanavong, Jacob Louangrath, Marsha Itsaleumsack, Jordan Louangrath, and Andrew Louangrath all of Murfreesboro; Great Granddaughter, Artemis Snodgrass; son-in-law, Tom Rattanavong; Nephew and Niece, Bounma and Dorkchanh Louangrath of Toronto, Canada; and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his many good friends within the Laotian Community at home and abroad.

A Traditional Laotian Funeral will be 2PM Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Woodfin Memorial Chapel with Buddhist Monks officiating. Visitation will be 4PM-8PM, Friday, January 19, 2018 at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.