Toan Tran

Eighty years ago, Toan Tran began his remarkable life. Our Dad "Ba" was born in the ancient city of Hue in Vietnam to Mr. Tran Lien and Mrs. Dang Thi Cam. He was the third child and eldest son of five siblings. Dad grew up in poverty which motivated him to work hard and dream.

Our Dad was a strong provider, protector, and leader.

Dad joined the South Vietnamese Air Force in 1965. Captain Toan Tran was a brave fighter pilot. He flew the A-1 Skyraider plane in combat missions, crashing twice. Dad was proud of his service and training. The training gave him an opportunity to travel to multiple cities in the United States for flight school and to learn English as a second language. Dad trained at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi, and Hurlburt Field in Florida.

With God's protection, Dad survived the Vietnam war. He reunited with his wife, Bao; daughter, Khuyen "Quin"; and son, Quan, in a refugee camp in Guam and then to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas in 1975. A third daughter, Cecilia, was born later in Oklahoma City. Raising their children in Yukon, the Tran family has called Oklahoma home since 1975.

For 25 years, Dad worked for Lucent Technologies in Oklahoma City. He enjoyed the challenge and camaraderie of the manufacturing environment. During those years, he earned his associates degree in electrical engineering at Oklahoma State University. He went on to earn his bachelors and masters at Southern Nazarene University. His education and military background prepared him for the leadership role as a supervisor at Lucent.

After retiring from Lucent in 2001, Dad served as a math tutor at an inner city charter school in Oklahoma City. He was dedicated to the students and inspired them to learn. Dad believed that education is a great equalizer.

Our Dad was witty, artistic and athletic. He played wooden flutes and the piano by ear. He enjoyed singing, dancing, and hosting gatherings. Dad was an avid volleyball and tennis player. He played tennis daily until his early 70s. Injuries forced him to stop and led to health challenges.

Dad craved the friendship and fellowship that came from sporting activities, military reunions, and other social events. His grandchildren gave him the most joy: Sophia, Ace and Alexa.

Dad was proud of our family. A hard worker and excellent provider, he established the foundation that allowed us to pursue our own dreams. Dad loved us — and we will always love him.

With family by his side, Dad passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Bao, married for 55 years; children and their spouses, Quin and Chris Dykstra, Quan and Shelbi Tran, Cecilia and Noel Walling; grandchildren, Sophia, Ace, and Alexa; his youngest brother, Thu; several nieces and nephews along with other family members and good friends.

A viewing is set for April 26, 2024 from noon to 7 p.m. at Yanda & Son Funeral Home in Yukon.

Our family will host a Vietnamese Ceremony honoring Dad on his birth date, April 27, 2024, at 10 a.m. held at the Yanda & Son Funeral Home Chapel, 1500 W. Vandament Ave., Yukon, OK 73099.

Also on April 27, 2024, join us for a Celebration of Dad's Life at 4 p.m. held at Sunnylane Family Church, 4221 S.E. 41st Street, Del City, OK 73115. Let's salute Dad by wearing his favorite color, green, symbolizing nature, growth, and life.