Cher Pao Hang

Cher Pao Hang, also known as “Pao Hang,” was born on June 15, 1955.

Cher Pao Hang, also known as “Pao Hang,” was born on June 15, 1955 in a small village called Xas Thoos, province of northern Laos to his parents, Xaiv Her Hang and Maiv Sheng Yang. Cher Pao came from a big family and was the youngest of them all. He has 4 brothers (Chia Pao Hang, Pa Blia Hang, Kage Hang, and Pa Ying Hang) and 5 sisters (Va Hang, Blia Hang, Mee Hang, Khou Hang and Xao Hang). Unfortunately, all who have passed except Khou Hang (Niam Xai Pov Vue). 

In 1972, Cher Pao met and wed his wife, Neng Vang, going on to be married for 50 years with 7 children together; 3 sons (one of whom passed away in Lao at an early age) and 4 daughters. 

At the age of 66, Cher Pao passed away from colon cancer on April 21, 2022, in Purdy, Missouri, surrounded by his wife, children, and loved ones. He is survived by his wife, Neng Vang, 6 children; Chong Zaj, Mailao, Mee, TouDor, May, and Jenny; sister, Khou Hang; nieces, nephews, and grandchildren; and many more family members and friends who will miss him greatly. 

Life in Laos, Thailand, and America 

1972-1975: During the Vietnam war, Cher Pao served a short time as a Hmong soldier in the “secret war.” After his service, he married his wife Neng Vang in 1972 and started their life together in Thakolong, Laos. 

1975-1981: After the war, Cher Pao took his family and moved to Poom Mub with his older brother Paying Hang. In 1976, they welcomed their first child, Vaj Hang (Chong Zaj). In 1978, Cher Pao and Neng welcomed their second child and second son, named Vu, but sadly he did not make it. Living in Poom Mub for a little over 4 years, he decided to move his family to Moos Om. 

1981-1987: In 1981, they welcomed their third child and first daughter, Mailao Hang.While living in the village of Moos Om, Cher Pao, his wife, and children farmed and raised livestocks for survival. A few years later, Cher Pao and his family decided it was time to relocate to the village of Phwv Huaj. In 1983, Cher Pao and Neng welcomed their fourth child and second daughter, Mee Hang. 

While life was not easy, after living in the Village of Phwv Huaj for a few years, Cher Pao and his family decided to relocate again to Huab Pas. In 1985, they welcomed their 5th child and 3rd son, TouDor Hang in the village of Huab Pas. 

1987-1989: Under the cover of night, Cher Pao and his family escape the communist regime in Laos by swimming nearly three quarters of a mile with his older brother Paying Hang across the Mekong River, arriving six hours later into the neighboring country of Thailand. After arriving in Thailand, Cher Pao and his family arrived at the refugee camp Ban Vinai and lived there for 1 year with his father-in-law and mother-in-law. In 1987, Cher Pao and his wife, welcomed their 6th child and 3rd daughter, May Hang. From the camp Ban Vinai, Thailand, Cher Pao and his family moved to the camp of Chiang Kham. 

1989-2006: Living in the camp of Chiang Kham for 6 months, he was also an employee of the International Rescue Committee’s Health Education Program. Cher Pao and his family were sponsored by his older brother Kage Hang to come to the United States. After arriving in the United States, they settled down in Detroit, Michigan. In 1994, Cher Pao and Neng welcomed their last child and 4th daughter, Jenny Hang. Cher Pao and his family lived in Detroit, Michigan for 18 years. 

2006-2022: From Detroit, Cher Pao and his family decided to relocate to Purdy, Missouri along with close family members. While living in Missouri, he worked at EFCO until he was diagnosed with Stage I colon cancer in 2014. At that time, the tumor was removed—however, in February of 2022, his cancer returned and he was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. Only given 2 to 3 months to live; on April 21, 2022, he was surrounded by his wife, children and loved ones when he took his last breath. 

Our family is grateful to know that our father is finally at peace. 

Cher Pao Hang was a beloved father, a husband, a grandfather, a brother, a 

brother-in-law, a son-in-law, an uncle, a son and a friend. We love and will cherish him forever. 

We would like to thank each and every one of you, our family and friends, who have taken the time to join us in commemorating our father’s life through this extremely difficult time. We cherish the love, support, time and energy that you have shown us. 

Peb txiv Cher Pao, 

Peb thov kom koj mus zoo os mog, 

Peb ib leeg txiv tus ua peb hlub hlub thiab tshua txog 

Services will be held from 8:00 A.M. Saturday, May 21, 2022 through 10:00 A.M. Monday, May 23, 2022 at McQueen Funeral Home in Wheaton. Burial will be at 10:30 A.M. Monday at Newtonia IOOF Cemetery in Newtonia. 

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