Bounkeut Keodara

Mr. Bounkeut Keodara was born on August 1, 1955 at Ban Khong, Meuangkham, Xiengkhouang Province, Laos.  He was the second child of Mr. Onta and Mrs. Somphanh Keodara. He was one of five siblings, two who predeceased him. Remaining are his sister, Khamthoune Keodara, and brother, Seum Keodara. After graduating from high school in 1971, he went to study at Fangum School for three years. In 1975, he attended the agriculture school in Vientiane and worked at the Department of Agriculture in Xiengkhouang Province. 

In 1980, he married Mrs. Somchanh Norasing Keodara in Vientiane, Laos and together they have three children.  In August 1980, due to the political upheaval in Laos, he fled the country and sought asylum at a refugee camp in Nongkhai, Thailand as a political refugee. In 1984 he and his family resettled in Hawaii, USA.  In 1985, the family relocated to San Diego, California and in 1992, they moved to Spartanburg, SC. 

He worked at the Spartanburg Steel Company until he retired in 2015. He was a dedicated and hard-working person, sometimes even working two full-time jobs to ensure he was able to take care of his family. 

He overcame Cancer in 2016, but unfortunately remained ill due to other underlying issues. He was then hospitalized last month, and passed on May 16, 2023, at age 67. 

Mr. Bounkeut Keodara was a genuine, caring, honest, and compassionate person.  He lived his life with integrity and saw the best in people.  He was a great role model for all his children and the Lao community.  Through this, he was able to make a tremendous impact and influenced many lives through his legacy. He taught them through hard work, respect, and dedication, that they could accomplish anything.  There was not a person who met him that did not instantly fall in love with his kind and gentle soul.  

He will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He leaves behind three sons, Mr. Bounpaseut Lang Keodara, daughter in-law Tran Huyen-Keodara, Dr. Armstrong Keodara and his husband Ryan Lebro, and Tommy Keodara. He also leaves behind 3 grandchildren, Logan,  age 10, Bella, age 5, and Tegan, age 5. 

The Keodara family would like to take this opportunity to express their sincere gratitude for the support. The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation of love, kindness shown to us during this difficult time.  Thank you.

A viewing will be held Thursday, May 25th, 4:00PM at Dunbar Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Friday, May 26th, 2:00PM at Dunbar Funeral Home.