Thongchoth Sayarath Bouaphakeo, 80, of West Fenwick Selbyville, DE passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2022 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.

He was born February 18, 1942 in Nakok, Laos, son of Thongsai Sayarath Bouaphakeo and Bounma Sayarath Bouaphakeo. Thongchoth and his family immigrated to the United States in 1980 to start new life in America.

He attended a small school in his Village at Banh Kakok, Laos and worked in the family farms before coming to America. Thongchoth retired after a long career in the poultry industry. He was well loved and respected in the Laotian Community in Sussex County and in the Delmarva Area. He was a hard worker and a caring man who would do anything for his family, friends and the Lao Community in their time of need.

He enjoyed gardening, fishing, cooking his favorite oriental cuisines and spending time with his family, as well as morning walks with his wife at the local casino. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother Khampheng Thongsai.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Hang (Sayarath) Bouaphakeo and their children: daughter, Dawn Phanousith and her husband, Sam of West Fenwick, DE; daughter, Somphone "Som" Webster and her husband, Forrest of Milton, DE; son, Homhouanh "Hom" Bouaphakeo of West Fenwick Selbyville, DE; son, Vanphab "Vance" Bouaphakeo and his wife, Samantha of Salisbury, MD.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Christopher Phanousith of West Fenwick Selbyville, DE, Brian Phanousith and his wife, Gabrielle of Frankford, DE, Scott Webster of Milton, DE, Adeline Bouaphakeo of Salisbury, MD and two great-granddaughters, Kira and Misa Phanousith all of Frankford, DE; a grand dog, Jackpot Phanousith; a brother, Loung Sayarath of Nakok, Laos and numerous nieces, nephews and other family relatives living in Laos and Thailand.

A Traditional Lao funeral ritual will be held at 1 p.m. at the Frankford Chapel of Melson Funeral Home, 43 Thatcher Street, Frankford, DE 19945, on Thursday, December 29, 2022 where friends and family may gather starting at 12 noon.