Saw Du passed into the hands of God on Thursday, December 19, 2019, after a brief illness. He was born in Burma on April 24, 1929, and lived a full life for 90 years and 8 months. His parents were Saw Ply and Ah Naw and are buried in their native Burma.
Saw Du was a career soldier and fought with the British against the Japanese when they invaded Burma in World War II. He obtained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Karen National Liberation Army before fleeing with his family to Thailand as refugees. The entire family arrived in Kansas City in May of 2008 and have been productive citizens since their arrival. Many work for Smithfield Foods in Smithville, MO. They all are founding members of the Grace Karen Baptist Church on Vivion Road.
Saw Du is survived by one brother, 88 years old, who still lives in Burma. Survivors of the family who live in the Kansas City area include a son, Kaw Moo (Eh Do Paw); grandsons, Plow Soe (Eh Mu Lah), Ru Say, Kaw Tha Blay Du, and Thay Doh Soe (Eh Klu Paw); plus one granddaughter, Phi Sha Paw (Naw Thi Say Paw). There are numerous other family members in Burma and outside of Kansas City.
He will be remembered as a true Christian gentleman who sacrificed for the welfare of his family and his nation. Services will be held on Monday, December 23, 2019, 10:00 a.m., at Grace Baptist Church, 3101 NE Vivion Road, Kansas City, MO. Gifts may be made to the Grace Karen Baptist Church.
