New Iberia " Funeral services for Souvane Phomthirath, 66, of Iberia Parish will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 16, 2007 in the David Funeral Home Chapel in New Iberia. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday, June 14, 2007 and Friday, June 15, 2007. The funeral home will reopen on Saturday, June 16, 2007 at 10:00 AM until the service and will be officiated by the Laotion Association of Iberia Parish and blessed by the monks. The cremation will be held at Lafayette Crematory in Lafayette at 3:15 PM. Born on March 2, 1941 and raised in Kongsadone, Laos, Mr. Phomthirath migrated his family for an opportunity for a better future into the United States of America in November 1978. He relocated to various places around the states but chose to reside permanently in Iberia Parish since 1982. Mr. Phomthirath died at 2:55 PM on Thursday, June 7, 2007. Mr. Phomthirath was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He dedicated his life servicing the temple and its community. He wanted to pass on the Laotion cultural, tradition and belief from one generation to the next. He saw a vision of its creation and made it a reality. He is the foundation of the Laos community of Iberia Parish. He was a Buddhist advocate and was instrumental in the establishment of a mission temple for meditation and prayer known as Wat Dhammaratanaram Temple in Coteau of Iberia Parish. He was very active in financing, building and creating the temple. He was an active member of the Laotion Association. He played so many roles within the Laotion community such as the mediator, negotiator, peacemaker, brother, father, grandfather and a friend throughout the community. He always put other peoples need before his own. He saw the good in everyone and accepted them for who they were and nothing less. He gave so much and never asked for anything in return. He touched so many people from varied walks of life. He had a heart of gold in which no one that knew him can deny. His vision was known worldwide amoung the Laotion people. The miracle of healing that he had performed was seen and heard throughout. His belief in the faith of Buddahism will continue to live on through his family and its community. Survivors include his wife, Chone Phomthirath; three sons, Davone Little Johnny Phomthirath and his wife Lati of Broussard, Phongsamouth Ponz Phomthirath and his wife Saisavanh of Broussard, Sounthala Soun Phomthirath and his wife Soukdadong Jhom of Reynoldsburg, OH; four daughters, Mrs. Tha (Davy) Rasasack of Memphis, TN, Miss Fonzi Phonesy Phomthirath of Southaven, MS, Mrs. David (Kayla) Chataignier of St. Martinville and Mrs. Mike (Pan) Villermin of Youngsville and 13 grandchildren. Pallbearers will be David Chataignier, Mike Villermin, Ta Rasasack, Katay Liemkeo and Kevin Boutarath and Tout Liamkeo. David Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
