Bouakeo Chansombat passed away on March 31, 2026 in Oklahoma City after battling a brief illness.

He was born on March 1, 1950, in Longcheng, Laos, to Khamchanh and Viengkeo Chansombat.

As a teenager, Bouakeo was recruited into the Royal Lao Armed Forces. During the Vietnam War, he assisted the United States in covert CIA operations. He was deeply proud of his military service and grateful for the opportunity to serve his country and help others in need.

In 1975, Bouakeo married the love of his life, Phetsamone Vongsy. Shortly after their wedding, they emigrated to the United States. After briefly living in California and Utah, they settled in Oklahoma in 1976, where they built a life together and raised their two children, Mesa and Kumpa. Bouakeo was absolutely the best husband and father. He was a prime example of a family man, and loved his wife and children to no end.

Bouakeo worked hard to support his family and was a machinist for over 30 years at Chromalloy, making FAA approved parts for turbine engines. He built lasting friendships throughout his career and stayed connected with many even after retiring in 2012.

Bouakeo found joy in simple pleasures, watching Westerns, classic spy films like James Bond, and professional wrestling. For many years, he hosted Lao garage band jam sessions, bringing people together to celebrate traditional Lao folk music. Though he did not play or sing, he took great pride in preserving and sharing his culture. These gatherings often lasted late into the night and brought him great joy.

Above all, Bouakeo cherished time with his family. His wife, children, grandchild, extended family, and friends were the center of his life. He had a servant’s heart and was always willing to help others. In essence, he was a great teacher. In the community he was well known as a man of vast knowledge, so many people came to him for advice regarding personal finance, life decisions, housing, work, and even funeral planning. He gave freely of his time and knowledge, never expecting anything in return. Over the years, he sponsored many family members and friends from Laos, welcoming them into his home and supporting them until they were able to establish themselves. Though widely respected for his generosity, he remained humble throughout his life.

Bouakeo had been part of the Buddhist faith for many years, but within the last decade, he began attending at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Oklahoma City. He was practicing to become confirmed in the Catholic Church. Although it was not official he still considered himself Catholic and had a great faith.

Bouakeo was preceded in death by his Parents, Khamchanh and Viengkeo – Chansombat;; Sister Bountha Chansombat

He is survived by his Wife, Phetsamone Chansombat;; Mesa Chansombath and wife Huong Nguyen – Chansombath;; Kumpa Chansombat and husband Derrick Truong; ;Granddaughter, LeVien Chansombath; Grand Dog, Hades; 1 Brother, Bouasy Chansombat; 3 Sisters, Nuan Chansombat, Bounthung Chansombat, and Boun Nam Chansombat, as well as many loving extended family membeer and friends.