Phan Van Pham

The sixth oldest of nine children of Pham Van Chan and Hoang Thi An, Phan was born on June 17, 1939 in Ha Tinh, Vietnam. His father’s work for the railway led to many relocations and Phan’s childhood was one of constant travel throughout provinces from north to south, until his family eventually settled in Saigon. Through his hard work and determination, he earned top marks for his performance on a rigorous national exam; and he was accepted and attended the prestigious Petrus Ký High School. After graduation from high school and again excelling on the national exam, he was accepted to and attended the University of Science and Math in Saigon, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics. In 1962, he applied for and was admitted to the 13th class of the Naval Academy in Nha Trang, graduating in 1964 and afterwards receiving the distinguished honor of being chosen for additional training with the United States Seventh Fleet in Japan. In 1970, he was nominated to apply and was accepted to attend the U.S. Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California, where he earned a Master in Computer Science, before returning to Vietnam in 1972.

Phan was an officer who served bravely with honor and distinction in the Republic of South Vietnam Navy, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He received the Life Saving Medal one of the highest honors awarded to service men in the Republic of South Vietnam for risking his life under enemy fire to save the life of another individual. As a young lieutenant, he also received the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Medal award for accomplishing deeds of valor while fighting the enemy, for his heroic effort and actions in the Tet Offensive of 1968. After he was transferred to Navy Headquarter to work in counterintelligence, he also received the Staff Service Medal award, which was awarded for exemplary service while performing military duty on the staff of a major military command. He loved his country of birth, but like hundreds of thousands of his countrymen, was forced to flee with his wife and young children in April of 1975 with the fall of Saigon. He immigrated with his wife and children as refugees to the US in 1975, and in 1983 he proudly became a US citizen in his newly adopted country.

His story was one of humility, determination, perseverance, and devotion to family. After immigrating to the US, he worked tirelessly to give his family a better life and a chance at the American dream. One of his first jobs was working at a chicken farm in a small rural town in Arkansas collecting eggs. After moving his family to Angleton, Texas, he worked full time at Dow Chemical in Lake Jackson, Texas while also attending night classes, and raising a family of six young children. He eventually obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Houston, then later a Master of Science in Chemistry at University of Houston, at Clear Lake. After 26 years of service with Dow Chemical, he retired and embarked on new adventures, traveling all over the world with his beautiful and devoted wife and cherished friends to explore new and old places.

He was a gracious and selfless man who believed in helping others and being part of the greater good. No matter how busy he was with work, his studies, and his duties to his family, he always found time to be active in the local Vietnamese community and his temple. He was a role model to his children and grandchildren.

Phan was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend. His happiest moments were those spent with his family and friends. He had a fondness for singing karaoke and his favorite songs, “Đêm Đông” and “Cát Bụi”, will always be known affectionately by his friends as “Phan’s songs”. He was loved by all those who knew him. His hearty laugher, infectious smile and gentle spirit will be greatly missed, and he will be forever remembered by his loving wife, children, grandchildren, sisters, nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

Phan is survived by his loving wife To Hoa Pham; daughter Anh Thu Pham; son Hung Pham; son Hao Pham and wife Thu Trinh; son Dung Pham and wife Anisa Yong Cai; son Kiet Pham and wife Toni Pham; son Tuan Pham; his older sister Hong Tu Pham; his youngest sister, Mai Nuong Pham; and his eight grandchildren, Ashby Do, Kalei Pham, Taison Pham, Samantha Pham, Khai Pham, Kian Pham, Olivia Pham and Owen Pham.

The family will receive friends during visitation on Wednesday, January 6th from 12:00PM to 6:00PM CST at the Chapel of Eternal Peace at Forest Park located at 2454 S. Dairy Ashford in Houston, Texas and on Thursday, January 7th from 10:00AM to 1:00PM CST, followed by the memorial service then burial will take place at 2:00PM CST.

The memorial service will be live streamed via Facebook Live through @ChapelOfEternalPeace · Funeral Service & Cemetery