Prasath Sirimongkol

Prasath Sirimongkol passed away peacefully Sunday morning on February 4, 2018 after suffering an abdominal aortic aneurysm. He was surrounded by his immediate family and the wonderful caregivers at Mercy Medical Hospital. Prasath was born on February 6, 1932 in Ban Saphay, Laos to Suy and Keomala Meksay. He was the youngest of 5 sons and was preceded in death by his parents and 4 older brothers.

Prasath graduated with a law degree from the University of Bangkok in 1964. After graduation, he worked at the U.S. Embassy, Laotian government and ultimately became the Chief Judge for the State of Luang Prabang, Laos. In 1968, he married his soul mate, Saney and they had 3 children, Keothip (Nok), Watsaraphone (Guy) both born in Laos. Unfortunately, due to the communist conflict, Prasath was forced to escape his country and fled with his family to a refugee camp in Ubon, Thailand where his 3rd son, Watsarachai (Ou) was born.

In 1979, the family immigrated to Des Moines, Iowa where they were welcomed and sponsored by members of Glen Echo Church. Prasath and Saney became members of the Church and were able to help more family members immigrate to America. Prasath and his family became proud U.S. citizens in the 1980s and he took employment with Townsend Engineering eventually retiring from the company in 2001. While working at Townsend, Prasath and Saney were able to travel on many company trips around the world. Prasath had a passion for reading, writing, politics, praying, meditating, spending time with his family and friends and was a devoted Buddhist always ready to share the path of enlightenment. He was a member of the Lao Association, Wat Lao Buddhist Temple and is survived by his wife of Saney, daughter Keothip Phanmaha (Indaphone), sons Watsaraphone and Watsarachai (Joy) Meksay, grandsons Walter Esperson (Guy), Nickolas and Tyler Phanmaha (Nok), Jaxton and Jameson Meksay and granddaughters Jasmine and Jiana Meksay (Ou) and many nieces and nephews.

Prasath will be remembered as a great man that exuded the best of qualities. He was kind, wise, happy, humorous, honest and a lover of life, people, friends and family. He was a role model, teacher and hero to the many people he touched. We know he is in a better place looking over and praying for all his loved ones.

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