Keath Paxten

Keath Paxten, beloved husband, devoted father, grandfather (Pappou), brother, uncle, cousin, Godfather (Nouno), caregiver, coach, confidant, mentor, and loyal friend, fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 surrounded by his wife and three children.

Born on September 8, 1947 in Lulu Island, Canada, to Carey (Harold) Paxten and Charlein (Mary) McDermid, his family moved to Seattle, Washington where his father felt he could provide a better life for his family. Keath graduated from Roosevelt High School in Seattle in 1965 and graduated from Washington State University in Pullman in 1969. He taught high school history for three years and coached football (where his team went from first to worst the next season). He was hired by IBM (International Business Machines), where he was employed for 45 years. His successful career took him to Ogden (UT), Salt Lake City (UT), Boulder (CO), Salem (OR), and Atlanta (GA). His various positions included sales, research and development, and marketing manager. In 1984, Keath moved his family to Atlanta to join a newly formed IBM software marketing group. He and his staff were responsible for Software University, customer conferences, product announcements, and software business operations. Keath was always dedicated and got the job done. He was well respected by his IBM peers.

Keath was an active member of Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Marietta, Georgia since its inception, although he decided to be officially chrismated into the Church in 2022.

Keath coached the GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth Association) girls' basketball team at their winter youth rally for 15 +- years, bringing home trophies most years, but always bringing home cherished memories (and better basketball players). He loved the girls!

Keath served for 24 years on the AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) Education Board that awarded scholarships to worthy students to continue their higher education. He served as president and in other offices of Chapter #519.

Keath enjoyed sports, especially playing pickleball several times a week since his cancer diagnosis. He also liked to dance, sing, whistle, and enjoy everything life had to offer.

Keath is survived by Jeannie, his spouse of 50 years; his children Kristina, Michael (Dawn), and Keri; six grandchildren (Madison, Triston, Blakely, Kennedy, Colin, and Paxten); his sister Charlein; in-laws; nieces, and nephews.

May his memory be eternal!

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates any donations made to AHEPA #519 Education Fund in Keath's memory. Please send to: AHEPA Educational Fund, Inc.

PO BOX 46987

Atlanta, GA 30359

For more information on your donation: www.ahepaatlscholarship.com

Visitation will be on Thursday, August 22 from 6-8 at the Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Rd., Roswell, GA 30076. Funeral will be on Friday at 11:00 at Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church at 3431 Trickum Road, Marietta, GA 30066, followed by a graveside service at Green Lawn Cemetery. A luncheon celebration will follow back at the church.

Keath is ALIVE with Christ!