Ye-Sho Chen

    Ye-Sho Chen, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, at the age of 70. Born on August 2, 1954, Ye-Sho was a man of faith, love and service whose presence brought joy and warmth to everyone he met.

     Ye-Sho’s life was a testament to the virtues of hard work and resilience. He was born in Chaiyi, Taiwan to Tser-Chin Chen and Ya-Jan Kuo. He was the third born of five siblings. From a humble beginning, he shown brilliance at a young age.

       Married for 45 years to his beloved wife, Rachel, he was the proud father of two daughters—Ann and Hannah; and one grandson—Levi, each of whom he cherished deeply.

     After getting married in Taiwan, he came to America as a graduate student at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana to pursue the American dream. At the time, his life’s purpose was chasing after “PPK”—PhD, Property, and Kids. While there is nothing wrong with that in itself, Ye-Sho’s greatest life transformation was when he got a new job that moved him and his family to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he became a Christian, and found a more meaningful “PPK” to pursue after—Christ as his Prophet, Priest, and King.

      Ye-Sho deeply loved the Lord and the church. Every morning he eagerly dedicated time to read the Bible and to spend time in prayer. This fueled him to live a life full of joy, praise, and gratitude. His life of giving Christ the first place in all things was a pattern to all.  With a kind, jovial heart towards people, Ye-Sho loved having others over for a meal, fellowship and prayer. Many can attest to being encouraged by Ye-Sho’s positive energy and optimistic outlook on life.

     His career as a business professor at the Louisiana State University showcased his natural abilities to see the big picture, connecting the dots, and his commitment to helping others. Known for his skill in being able to talk about anything, Ye-Sho could be found giving lectures at the family dinner table speaking with utter enthusiasm about bamboo and alligators.

     Ye-Sho’s appreciation for teaching and his love of shepherding others defined his interactions and relationships. Always ready with a wise word or a helping hand, he approached life with an unshakable spirit that continuously lifted others and shepherded them toward Christ.

     Even at the very end of his life, when his body was declining from battling cancer for over four grueling years, he maintained his joy, thankfulness and appreciation towards the Lord, his family members, and his fellows believers in Christ.

     As we remember Ye-Sho, we cherish the lessons he taught us about finding joy in remaining under the Lord’s caring hands no matter the outward situation. He lived his life according to the words written by the Apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Always rejoice, unceasingly pray, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”.