Dr. Alex S. del Carmen, Sr.

Alejandro Mariano (Saysongkham) del Carmen, M.D.

With great sorrow, we announce the passing of Dr. Alex del Carmen at the age of 93, surrounded by loved ones in Pennsylvania, after a long struggle with Pulmonary Fibrosis the evening of June 10, 2016.

Dr. Alex del Carmen was born on February 28, 1923 in Baliuag, Bulacan in the Philippines.  Although born Alejandro Jorge Mariano del Carmen, everyone affectionately called him Andro , or Dr. Alex .

As the eldest of four siblings, he was the fortunate one to continue on to a Catholic university, University of Santo Tomas in Manila, where he studied medicine . Since he was young, it was his dream to become a doctor, his motivation and ambition stemming from when he accompanied his mother to the doctor.

When he returned from his schooling and rotations in the United States , h e learned about Operation Brotherhood, a charitable organization in Laos, and joined up.  Dr. Alex was first assigned to a town called Nam Bac where he did surgeries and visited villages traveling along the river.  Requested by the Crown Prince, Chao Sisavang Vathana, a team was to open outside the town of Luang Prabang, the Royal Capital, and Dr. Alex was to lead the team.

As the medical director, he was a liaison to the Ministry of Health, and met numerous representatives from organizations that aided the Ministry.  He was in close contact with Dr. Tom Dooley and his hospital in the north.  When Dr. Dooley left for medical reasons, Dr. Alex was requested to do his surgical cases.

A river mobile team was to be created and Dr. Alex received the order to organize the team.  It was a large river boat with an on-board engine.  Dr. Alex was designated commodore, with humor to make it sound adventurous.  The team traveled up and down the Mekong River from village to village, giving medical attention and treatment where needed.  His faith with this was so strong, as he did not know how to swim.

Following his adventures up and down the river, his next assignment was with O peration B rotherhood in Paksong. Passionate about his profession, he opened a private practice refusing care to none.

Dr. Alex had developed a secret love, a love at first sight, of which he had no experience with before in his life.  Their courtship was silent, meaningful and full of truth and sincerity.  The feeling was mutual and they knew it was fate . Dr. Alex and Nang Kiet (Lynn del Carmen) asked her parents for permission and their blessings for their marriage.  They wed on December 18, 1959 .

Dr. Alex received so much respect from the people he helped for their medical problems.  His ethical pledge to practice medicine was a success, well accepted and he was very much delighted to contribut e to the health of the community.  Life in Laos was wonderful, enjoyable and successful, with never any dull moments.

When the situation in the country worsened, he wasted no time getting to his family, back to their house to gather some clothing and important things then boarding a barge to cross the Mekong River to safety in Thailand .

On arrival to America in 1973 , the del Carmen family received a warm welcome, and Dr. Alex moved with his family to Chattanooga, TN , taking a job at Park r idge Hospital. He was happy and excited to join the professional staff in the surgery department; he was part of the groundbreaking minimally invasive surgery program.

In 1995 , Dr. Alex retired, twenty years after leaving Laos with his family.  He was glad and happy upon retirement, enjoying peaceful moments with his family.  He enjoyed traveling, visiting friends and relatives in various countries around the world .

Dr. Alex del Carmen is survived by the love of his life, Lynn del Carmen, their 6 children: Ferdinand, Paul, Anna, Linda, Alex Jr., Edwin and their 12 grandchildren.

“My devotion and prayers make me happy and it will always maintain in my heart and prayers for all to be happy with me.” — Dr. Alex

Dr. Alex wishes that all monetary and memorial donations be made to St. Jude Church in Chattanooga, TN.

All are welcome to join Dr. Alex’s family at his viewing on Thursday, June 16, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415; and at his Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, June 17, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, 930 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415 ; with Reverend Charlie Burton celebrating.  Burial will follow in Chattanooga Memorial Park.  Dr. Alex’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship following the burial.

Dr. Alex’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Dr. Alex’s full obituary, view his memorial portrait, and sign his official guest book at www.Buhrig.com .