Keo Phongxaysanith passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at home with family by his side. He was born in Phonhong, Laos on January 1, 1949. He lived an extraordinary life and made friends with every person he met. He was a member of the Royal Lao Army from 1963-1975 and an exchange student at Aberdeen Proving Grounds during the conflict in Southeast Asia. As a result of the Laotian Civil War, he was a prisoner of war from 1975-1977. Keo immigrated with his wife and two small boys in 1980 with the help of the host families of Leacock Presbyterian Church in Paradise, Pennsylvania who had welcomed him during his military training in the United States.

With the support of the Leacock Presbyterian community, Keo established a better life for his family in the United States. He worked as a laborer and later a foreman at Anderson Pretzels for 32 years until his retirement in 2014. He enjoyed watching the grandchildren grow up, family vacations, gardening, and working in the yard. One of the proudest moments of his life came on September 25, 1987, when Keo and his family became American Citizens. He came to this country with very little and through hard work and perseverance, he became the epitome of the "American Dream."

Keo was a committed husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years Khamtanh, along with his eldest son Mountry and daughter-in-law Kara, his middle son Hatsady and daughter-in-law Susannah, and his youngest daughter Mary and daughter-in-law Corinne. He is also survived by four grandchildren – Noah, Lucas, Lia, and Lily.

A viewing will take place from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, followed by the funeral at 2:00 pm with The Rev. James Shuler officiating on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Interment will be private.

Contributions may be made in Keo's memory to Leacock Presbyterian Church, 3181 Lincoln Hwy. East, Paradise, PA 17572.