Xay Yang

Xay Yang, age 67, beloved husband and father, was born January 1, 1952 in Xieng Khouang, Laos and passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on April 24, 2019 in Wichita, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ia Thao; father, Chue Tou Yang; and a sister, Yia Yang. Survivors include: his wife of 47 years, Zua Yang; daughters, Kristie Landon (Erik) of Wichita, Maylia Yang of Oakley, CA, Sudy Yang of Dublin, CA, Lillian Yang of San Francisco, CA, Melissa Nguyen (Lam) of Wichita; sons, Andrew Yang of Dublin, CA, Shawn Yang of Lawrence, KS; 10 grandchildren; two brothers, Guy Yang and Vang Yang, and two sisters, May Ly Yang Jalao and May Vang.

Xay was an important member of the Agency For International Development (USAID), a division of the U.S. Embassy. He worked specifically in the area of Nam Keung, North of Ban Houei Sai. In 1974, USAID assisted the Lao Government with community development projects in Agriculture, Health, Education and Refugee Resettlement. Xay’s work specifically focused on the development of agriculture in Laos. He played an integral role in a project that received national attention. The project served to help poor villagers change from growing opium poppies to other crops.

During the Vietnam war, Xay Yang served as a Lieutenant of the Special Guerrilla Unit of the Lao Veteran’s of America, Inc. He was under the instruction of Major General Vang Pao, and LTC. Wangyee Vang, President of Lao Veterans of America. It is with a sense of abiding gratitude that we remember the bravery of the Hmong troops and their dedication to fight for democracy and to protect the lives of so many Americans at war in Southeast Asia. In honor of Xay’s service in the US Special Forces from 1970 to 1975 he will be buried with military honors according to the “Hmong Veterans’ Service Recognition Act” by President Donald Trump and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Xay immigrated to the United States in 1976 where he spent most of his life doing what he enjoyed the most, raising his family in Wichita, KS. He retired from Cessna Aviation where he performed aerospace interior installation. Xay will always be remembered and loved by those closest to him.

Visitation will be at Lakeview Funeral Home

12100 E. 13th Street, Wichita

Saturday, May 4th at 2:00pm - 6:00pm

Sunday, May 5th at 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Sunday, May 5th rosary 5:00pm

Funeral Mass at Church of the Magdalen

12626 E. 21st Street North, Wichita

Monday, May 6th at 11:00am

Graveside Service at Lakeview Cemetery

12100 E. 13th Street North, Wichita

Monday, May 6th to follow funeral mass