Ching-wen Yang

Ching-wen Yang, 88, of Overland Park, passed away Feb. 22. He was born to the late Chi-ming and Jong Yang, Oct. 2, 1924, in Taichung, Taiwan. Ching-wen Yang received a BS in agricultural engineering from the National Taiwan University in 1951 and did advanced studies in the U.S. in 1955-56. He married the late Shue-in Huang in 1944, and they lived together in Taiwan and Okinawa, before immigrating to the U.S. in 1968. Mr. Yang was the first person from both sides of his family to speak English. He was a popular lecturer at the National Taiwan University. He was also an entrepreneur: founding an engraving business in Taiwan as well as the Okinawa Gear Manufacturing Co. In addition, he authored a number of books, including poetry in English, Japanese and Taiwanese. One of his noted historical works, 'A Preliminary Study of Farm Implements in Taiwan,' was a compilation of traditional Taiwanese agricultural tools which are mostly no longer used. Mr. Yang loved woodworking, painting, singing and fishing. He also enjoyed gardening, ping pong, travel, and horseback riding. He was active in the Taiwanese-American community, and deeply committed to his family. Mr. Yang is survived by his significant partner, Hsueh-Hua Wang; his two children: Bob In-yu Yang (Jean Meei Jin,) of Overland Park; and Ta-Yu Yang (Jeanne,) of Des Moines; and his three grandchildren: Holly B. Yang of San Diego; Forrest D. Yang of New York City; and Heidi L. Yang of Des Moines. A visitation will be held at 10:00 and memorial service at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, Mar. 3 at DW Newcomers & Sons Funeral Home, 11200 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park. Lunch to follow at noon. The family requests no gifts and recommends that donations be directed to the Formosan Association for Public Affairs.

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