Kenneth LuePhang

Kenneth Patrick LuePhang, 79, of Ooltewah passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at a hospital in Washington, D. C. after a brief illness.

Ken is now resting in the arms of Jesus awaiting the great resurrection when Jesus comes in the clouds of Glory. Ken was born on May 26, 1940 in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies and spent 21/2 years in Hong Kong, and 6 months in China from ages 8-11. He then returned to Jamaica and graduated from high school at Saint George College in Kingston, Jamaica. After high school, he came to the United States and earned his BS Degree in Civil Engineering at LSU in 1961. At UTK, he earned his Master of Science Degree in Industrial Management in 1967, and completed all course work for a PHD in Environmental Engineering in 1976. He worked for TVA 18 years in Knoxville and 2 years in Chattanooga. For the next 30 years, Ken served as a Diplomat with USAID, (United States Agency for International Development). He served in the countries of Pakistan, Egypt, Philippines, Kenya, Africa, Madagascar and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and during that time he also served in Washington, DC for 2 years.

Ken was an enthusiastic traveler and loved his family; Ken always had a beautiful smile and was willing to help anyone. He spent most of his life dedicated to advancing global health, economic prosperity, and promoting democracy and governance to Africa. He was awarded a Heroism Certificate by the United States Secretary of State in 1998 for providing help after the US Embassies were bombed in Tanzania and Kenya. He was knighted by the President of Madagascar and bestowed the title of Medaille de Chevalier de I’Orde Nationale for dedicated and unselfish service.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Chin Choy Keow (mother) and Lue Phang (father) and brother, Abraham (Abe).

Survivors include his loving wife, Julia; son Kenneth Matthew; daughters, Shelley Elizabeth and Susan Lynn; brothers, Joe, Freddie, and Stanley; sisters, Margaret, Catherine and Patricia; many nieces, nephews, and friends; and colleagues from all over the United States, Tanzania, Canada, Jamaica and around the world.

A private graveside service will be held at the Matthews Cemetery in Georgetown. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Fike-Randolph & Son Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the LuePhang family guestbook at www.fikefh.com