Dean Hien Nguyen

Dean Nguyen-Phuoc-Ung-Hien of Sugar Land, Texas, passed away on Monday, June 26th, 2023 at 92. He was born on January 1st, 1931 in Hue, Vietnam where he grew up, moved to different parts of the country, and settled in Dalat, while working as a professor and the dean of the National Military Academy, where he trained officer cadets. He immigrated to the United States with his wife, eight children, a daughter-in-law and a granddaughter in 1975.

He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1973.

He worked as a Relay Engineer at the Lower Colorado River Authority after arriving in the US until his retirement.

During his career as an engineer he also resumed his military duties and was appointed to the rank of Major in the Texas State Guard in 1987 where he proudly and honorably served until September 1992.

His father, Nguyen Phuoc Huong De, and his mother, Dang Thi Khue, preceded him in death. His grandfather, Tuy An Quan Cong, Nguyen Phuoc Mien Khap, was the 41st son of emperor Minh Mang. He came from a royal family of the Nguyen dynasty.

He is survived by his second wife, Truc Ngoc Cao Nguyen, and their children, Cong Tang Ton Nu Mylynn Cao Nguyen, Bao Tran Cao Nguyen, Bao Chau Cao Nguyen, Bao Ngoc Cao Nguyen; and by his first wife, Pham Thi Lieu and their children, Cong Tang Ton Nu Ha Tien, Nguyen Phuoc Buu Dan, Nguyen Phuoc Tuyen Quang, Nguyen Phuoc Buu Chau, Nguyen Phuoc Buu Anh, Nguyen Phuoc Buu Hien, Sister Cong Tang Ton Nu Thanh Lieu (deceased), Nguyen Phuoc Buu Tuan. He has 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

His conversion to Catholicism came late in life. He was baptized and confirmed in Vietnam after marriage, and his wife gave birth to all eight children. His youngest daughter, Sister Cong Tang Ton Nu Thanh Lieu, a professed Discalced Carmelite nun whom he loved and called Be Lieu (Little Lieu), who entered eternal life in 2013, interceded for him, and his faith grew. He received the Sacraments of Anointing and Holy Communion in his final days from Father Steven Tran of Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

A special thanks to Father Steven Tran Son, Parochial Vicar of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, the pastoral council, the choir, the community of parishioners, and especially the Lezeo Maria council, the Mother of Mercy group who prayed for Mr. Dean Hien in his final days.

The family would also like to thank the medical staff of Houston Methodist Hospital and Houston Hospice for the care and compassion they showed our loved one.

A Viewing will be held at the Chapel Of Eternal Peace at Forest Park, 2454 S Dairy Ashford, Houston, TX 77077 on Friday, 6/30/2023, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service at Co-Cathedral Of The Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy, Houston, TX 77002 on Saturday, 7/1/2023 at 11:00 AM.

Interment to follow at the Chapel Of Eternal Peace at Forest Park.