Brandon Alan Keosybounheuang

 Brandon Alan Keosybounheuang, 23, of Manhattan, Kansas, born in Emporia, Kansas, passed away recently. Though his time with us was far too short, Brandon filled every day with warmth, laughter, and love.Brandon was a two-year apprentice and proud member of the IBEW Local 226, where he shared his knowledge and built strong bonds with his fellow tradespeople at DL Smith, working in Junction City.

Brandon enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in October of 2019. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, SC. Brandon went on to Advanced Individual Training in Fort Lee, VA where he graduated to be a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (91B). He attained the rank of Sergeant in December of 2024. His most recent assignment was with the 129th Transportation Company in Osage City, KS. His Military decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the Expert Marksmanship Badge with Rifle. Brandon honorably served his country as a Noncommissioned Officer, and was highly respected by his seniors, peers, and subordinates.

Brandon was a jokester with a contagious smile, a hopeless romantic, and a loyal friend who could make a stranger feel like family. He loved Star Wars, anime, baking, trying new foods, playing board games with family and friends, cheering for the Chiefs, and sipping whiskey. He adored animals, his dog Gumball and cat Sticky were constant companions, and all animals loved him, except for that one cat.

Brandon had a knack for sharing his knowledge, whether it was about cars or electricity, and could brighten any room with his humor, empathy, and kindness.

He is survived by his mother, Jacqueline Lafuente; his father, Onesy Keosybounheuang; his sister, Anel Keosybounheuang; his brother, Daniel Keosybounheuang; his long-term girlfriend, Brianna Cervantes; as well as many uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews in the U.S. and Paraguay; and his beloved pets, Gumball and Sticky.

Brandon will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the joy, laughter, and love he shared with everyone around him, human and animal alike.

A viewing will be held Thursday, September 11, from 6–8 p.m. at Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home in Manhattan, Kansas, with an additional visitation Friday, September 12, 2025, at Charter Funerals in Emporia and Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, September 13, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Catherine's Catholic Church with burial to follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Emporia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to TEAJTC with Brandon K. Memorial in the memo to be used for financial aid for students joining the IBEW union. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

The funeral home and escort of Brandon Keosybounheuang will be headed to Emporia on Highway 177 to Council Grove and then over to Allen on Highway 56 and then turning on to Highway 99 and going south to 6th street in Emporia to Charter Funeral Home. The escort will be with the American Legion Freedom Riders.