Phu Khot, exact age unknown but probably around 85, of Aurora, IL, passed away in his home on February 18, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his son, Johnray Htoo, his father, Lah Lu, his mother, Sher La, and his stepfather, Geh Kaw. He is survived by his wife, Mu Chiuay, sons Kyaw Chi (Hti Lu Paw), Ray Doh (Say Htoo Ku), Ea Ler (Glow Paw), and Lay Mu, daughter CheChe Bee (Sala Bee) and nine grandchildren, all of Aurora, and brother La Wah in Thailand refugee camp.
Upon his death, when he can fight no more, it seems appropriate that his story should be told. Phu Khot was born a member of the Karen ethnic group in Burma. The Karen-Burmese military conflict, which began in 1949, is the oldest armed conflict in the world. Phu Khot joined the fight when he was a young teenage boy. In his final days, he often spoke as though he was still there fighting, often recalling battles and the deaths of dear friends. He fought in the jungles many decades before returning to his village to start a family and farm in the highlands of the Burma mountains. The conflict and violence continued around Phu Khot and his family as the Burmese Military continuously sought out and destroyed Karen villages. Phu Khot moved his family to safety many times over the years, and each time the Burmese military found and destroyed their village. Phu Khot was eventually forced to move his family to a refugee camp in Thailand. While running and hiding on their way to the safety of the camp, his oldest son, Johnray Htoo, disappeared. Phu Khot and his family stayed in the camp for 14 years, adding a son. Phu Khot and his family joined other Karen in relocating to the US between 2007 and 2011. All of Phu Khot's children were finally safe and together in Aurora. Phu Khot joined the US Karen community and became a well-respected member of the Karen community and patriarch of the Karen Baptist Church of West Chicago. While his children worked, Phu Khot, a farmer at heart, tended a garden any place that he could sow seeds and spent many days fishing in the Fox River, just as he had in Burma. Phu Khot loved his family very much and was honored to have their support, care, and presence. Phu Khot never stopped wearing the Karen colors of red, white, and blue. During his life, he sacrificed much for the freedom of his Karen people and his family, and he died believing one day the Karen would be free of Burmese oppression. Always dreaming of
returning to his beloved homeland, Phu Khot now leaves the battle of Karen Independence and Freedom to the next generation.
Visitation will be held Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St, Aurora IL 60506. 630-631-5500.
Funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY.
Burial will follow at Spring Lake Cemetery in Aurora.