Dat Tuan Le
1963-2021
Dat Tuan Le was born January 30, 1963 in South Saigon, Vietnam. Dat was raised with his parents, three brothers, and four sisters in a loving Catholic home. As the eldest sibling, his parents were worried he would be killed at a young age or forced to convert to communism. Under direction of his parents, his dad helped him flee Vietnam at age 18. His dad led him to the river for several days. The purpose was to get a tan and blend in with the local fishermen. Soon, Dat was able to travel down the river at night. After a couple days rowing to the ocean, he was able to jump in a getaway boat, speed away and survived being shot at with machine guns while fleeing. This was the beginning of his journey to the United States.
Dat arrived in Boston then moved to Kansas City years later. He worked for HABCO, a company that was later acquired by DeAngelo Brothers Incorporated (DBI). He worked as a hyrail operator and was known to all the employees as one of the best and most loyal employees in the worldwide company.
Dat enjoyed cooking and eating cuisines from his native roots. He cooked and introduced his foods to many friends throughout the years. After receiving his diagnosis of colon cancer, he moved to Oklahoma to be closer to his DBI friends that became his family. He became an active resident at the Gospel of Life Disciples + Dwellings (GOLD) at St. James in South Oklahoma City, OK. He enjoyed going to the Asian market to buy food and cook for the GOLD community after each of his chemotherapy appointments. He found joy and purpose in serving the people of GOLD that were also experiencing their end of this life’s journey alongside himself at John Paul II (JPII) residence. He also cooked for the GOLD community on Saturdays for up to fifty people, which was coined “DATurdays”. Dat was always thankful for his freedoms and opportunities given to him in the United States; while still missing his native country and family in Vietnam. Dat’s favorite advice to others is, “To take the time to sit and enjoy some Dim Sum with family and friends”.
In lieu of flowers, in honor of Dat, we would like to encourage you to make a donation or volunteer to the Gospels of Life and Disciples + Dwellings. https://www.gospeloflifedisciples.org/volunteer-donate
Note: The reason why Dat appreciated Dim Sum is that it is customary to order “family-style”. The sharing of small dishes (consisting of three or four small pieces of dim sum) among all members of the family allowed each member to try a wide variety of food and enjoy the process.
“For this world is not our permanent home, we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” (Hebrews 13:14)
Visitation will be held at 9:15 a.m., Friday, December 3, 2021. Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. at St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Oklahoma City, OK with interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Norman, OK.