Keith Raymond Slattum

Keith Raymond Slattum passed away on October 28, 2021, at the age of 71, surrounded by his family in Escondido, California.

He was born May 3, 1950, to Raymond and Gloria Slattum in Breckinridge, MN. The second of three sons and was raised in Seattle, WA. He left at 19 to join the Army where he served as a medic in Europe during The Vietnam Era.

After his service ended, he returned to the United States where he met, fell in love with, and married his best friend, Diana. Their whirlwind romance and 48.5-year marriage blessed him with 11 children and 19 grandchildren.

He was a man of God, humorist, hard worker, and a true craftsman. He loved working with his hands and shared his enthusiasm by teaching his children how to build and shared many special projects with them. His people skills were strong, quick with a joke or thoughtful opinion, and always available to anyone who needed a haven to talk or seek guidance. The amount of patience he had and displayed was both inspiring and astonishing given the abundance of the personalities he raised.

In addition to teaching at Classical Academy, he had a successful business as a master contractor. He served in church ministries, mentored youth, and was a servant leader. He was a talented musician who played the accordion, guitar, piano, and a singer who always made a joyful noise.

Of all his talents and gifts, his greatest accomplishments were as a husband and father. Keith devoted his life to Diana and their children and would proclaim they were gifts from God. From road trips, camping, special projects, sports activities, and a shared love of Star Wars, Keith truly lived for his family. He was their greatest teacher and cheerleader, always there for them. He was the epitome of a leader, demonstrating love, respect, humility, how to treat others and most of all how to serve God.

His 20-year battle with Parkinson’s proved his strength and unwavering faith in God. He continued to lean on God and trusted in his timing, all while encouraging others. His faith is a reminder that he wanted everyone to have a relationship with and trust in God. The passages that helped him the most during difficult times are:

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Keith is survived by his wife Diana Slattum, his children Sarah (Brian) Lynn, Jenny (Rohullah) Shams, Alicea (Peter) Jungas, Amanda Slattum, Hannah (Erick) Lucio, Rachel (Jacob) Schmautz, Timothy (Ruthii) Slattum, Jonathan (Charlotte) Slattum, Stephanie (Josh) Becker, Stephen Slattum, and Elizabeth Slattum as well as his 19 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers John (Sue) Slattum and Paul Slattum.

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