Dr. John Fong H. Chen

Fong H. Chen, M.D., F.A.C.S. passed away peacefully at his home in Edmond, OK, on March 11, 2026. He was born June 7, 1941, in Taiwan, the son of Shui-Mu Chen and Lung-Mei Lee Chen. He grew up in the very poor community of Taitung. At age 6, he followed his uncle along the six-mile trek, about a 2-hour walk, to school where free milk was available. He developed a love of reading while at school and read nearly every book in the library. Most of all, he enjoyed the inspiring biographies of successful Americans and Chinese.

In 1963, Dr. Chen entered medical school at Taipei Medical University, Taiwan, and graduated in June 1970. In 1972, he and his fiancé, Dr. Helen Chiou, immigrated to the United States; they married in 1973. He served as a surgical intern at Watts Hospital in Durham, NC, and a resident of general surgery at Huron Road Hospital in Cleveland, OH. In June 1977, they moved to Wooward, OK. On February 7, 1979, they became naturalized U.S. Citizens.

Dr. Chen was certified by the American Board of Surgery. He served as Chief of Medical Staff and Chairman of the Surgery Dept. of Woodward Hospital and Health Center. He was Medical Director for the Woodward Ambulance Service and Medical Examiner for Woodward County. Dr. Chen was Associate Professor of Surgery and Consulting Physician for Taipei Medical University, Taiwan.

Dr. Chen was a member of American College of Physician Executives and the Society of Laparo Endosurgical Surgeons. He was a fellow of the American Society of Abdominal Surgeons, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a fellow of the International College of Surgeons, and a fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology.

Dr. Chen received a Proclamation of Appreciation and Congratulations for Medical Service from the City Commission of Woodward. He was a member of the Woodward Hospital Foundation. He also served on the Admissions Board of the OU School of Medicine.

Dr. Chen was a devoted physician and was very humble and gentle; he never got angry. Stemming from his childhood, he had a passion for education. Upon his father’s death in Taiwan, he returned with his brothers and established an award-winning computer system at his former elementary school. Drs. Chen and Chiou loved to travel. They have visited most European countries and more recently Egypt and Morocco. He loved music and was a member of the Oklahoma City Orchestra League. Dr. Chen enjoyed working in his yard and recently grew a 32 lb. winter melon. He never established other hobbies in fear they would distract from practicing medicine. He spent countless hours reading and researching to help patients and friends.

Dr. Chen is survived by his devoted wife, Dr. Helen Chiou Chen; son, Ming Chen (wife, Kelli); grandchildren, Jackson Chen and Amelia Chen; two brothers, Chin Ho Chen and Shin Yee Chen; two brothers-in-law, Ray Chiou (wife Pauli) and Gin Yi Chiou (wife Yue); two sisters-in-law, Shu Fang and Shu Jong (husband Mike Chiang Chen); and numerous extended relatives and friends. His parents and a brother preceded him in death.

Dr. Chen will be remembered at a memorial service on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Memorial Road Church of Christ, 2221 E. Memorial Road, Edmond.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to a fund supporting and promoting education, or any charity of your choice.