Seon Keun Kim

September 26, 1939 – October 5, 2026

Seon Keun Kim, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, engineer, and entrepreneur, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born on September 26, 1939, in Korea, Seon grew up in Seoul, where he graduated from Soong Moon High School before earning his first engineering degree from Yonsei University in 1966. In 1972, he came to the United States, where he married Kyung Sook Hong on March 29, 1975. He continued his education at Missouri University of Science and Technology, earning his second engineering degree in 1977. That same year, Seon proudly became a United States citizen and began his career with the United States Department of Transportation in Kansas City.

In July 1985, Seon and his family opened Bamboo Dragon in Pittsburg, Kansas. What began as a single restaurant grew into a successful family business that spanned four decades, with additional locations opening in Girard, Carl Junction, Webb City, and Joplin. Hard work and perseverance were at the heart of what the family built together.

Although Seon accomplished much in his career, his greatest pride was his family. He cherished the life he and Kyung built together, took great pride in their sons, and especially delighted in his granddaughters. His journey from Korea to the United States reflected courage, sacrifice, and determination.

Seon is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Kyung Kim; his sons, Joe Kim and his wife, Jennifer, and Paul Kim and his wife, Ariel; his granddaughters, Mia and Miley Kim, and Ayra and Aliz Kim; and his siblings, Yu Kim and Jung Lim.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Kim Milligan and Chun Ja Kim.

His family is deeply proud of the life he lived and forever grateful for the years they shared with him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at First Korean Presbyterian Church, 205 E. South St., Nixa, Missouri 65714. Family and friends are welcome to join us in celebrating Seon’s life.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ozark Memorial Park of Joplin, MO