Yao Xeng Saetern

Mr. Yao Xeng Saetern (born Saephan) was born on June 15, 1954 in Chiang Rai, Thailand to his parents Choy Yien Saephan and Nai Ching Saelee. He was the oldest of 6 siblings. Yao lived in Thailand for 36 years, lived in Fresno, California for 3 years, and spent the last 30 years living in Merced, California. Yao passed away on March 6, 2023 in Merced, California. Mr. Yao graduated from Chiang Rai College in Mae Chan Chiang Lai, Thailand in 1972 and taught Mien Literacy as a teacher. He worked at a sauna clinic in Thailand using medicine herbs to help the sick. He then married Nai Hiang Saefong on December 25, 1978 in Mae Pang, Thailand. He was a student at Golden Gate Seminary; received a Certificate in Theological Studies. Yao was a pastor in Fresno for 2-3 years and a member 9of the Merced Lu-Mien First Baptist Church in Merced, California. He last worked at Richwood Meat Company as a Machine Sanitation before retiring. He liked to go camping, hunting, fishing, play volleyball, badminton and spending time with family. Yao is survived by his wife Nai Hiang Saetern; children Cheng Saetern, Nai Saetern, Fam Saetern, Koy Saetern, Kae Saetern, Mon Saetern, Sou Saetern and Lai Saetern; Brothers San Yien Saephan and Chan Yien Saephan; sisters Nging Yien Saetern, Lai Yien Saephan, Chiew Yien Saephan; 18 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Yao is preceded in death by his parents Nai Ching Saelee, Choy Yien Saephan and Sister Mouang Yien Saetern.

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