Kenneth Paul Saxton, aged 58, passed away on October 9, 2021 in Virginia Beach.  He was surrounded by his family who held Kenny’s hands till he peacefully slipped away from his earthly presence.  Kenny was born in Norfolk in August 1963 to Kenneth Robert “Bob” Saxton and Ann Schiavone Saxton.  He was the fifth of their six children.  Kenny was born with red hair, just like his father, and he became known as “Red” to family and friends till the day he left this earth. He grew up in Azalea Gardens in Norfolk and moved to Great Bridge in Chesapeake when he started high school.

Kenny started out doing carpentry work as a teenager.  Over the years he worked for different people in the area before finally settling into working for himself.  Kenny worked long, hard hours learning and perfecting his craft over a 40-year span, ultimately earning the title Master Carpenter.  He had many repeat customers over the years and his reputation preceded him.  He leaves behind many beautiful pieces of his carpentry work.

Kenny met his future wife Lisa in March 1986 at one of his father’s Pizza Chef restaurants.  They married in February 1992.  Their first child, a daughter named Kaitlin, arrived in the fall of 1993.  She was born with the same curly red hair that her father had.  Their son Gage was born in late 1995, again with his father’s curly red hair.  Kenny loved his children beyond measure and enjoyed every minute he could spend with them throughout his time here.  He attended all their school events and participated in their scouting activities too.  He was so proud of his children and told anyone who would listen how smart, talented and artistic they both were.

On his daughter’s 24^th birthday she gave birth to a son named Emory.  Kenny was over the moon in love with his new grandson and stepped into the role of “Papa” with ease.  One of Emory’s favorite places to be since he was a baby was sitting on his Papa’s lap, holding onto his giant hand.  When Kaitlin would complain that Emory was being spoiled by his Papa, Kenny would say “It’s my job to spoil my grandbaby”.  Emory was the light of Kenny’s life and over the last four years they forged a tight bond that can’t ever be broken.

Kenny spent many days of his life at the beach, with his older brother Rob teaching him to surf when he was just 8 years old.  He made countless trips to the Outer Banks and Puerto Rico to surf with Rob and his friends.  Being in the ocean on his surfboard brought Kenny a great sense of peace like nothing else could.  The water had a calming effect on him and helped to clear his mind.  When he became a father to Kaitlin and Gage, he took them to the beach and taught them to surf like his brother had taught him.  Kenny also loved riding dirt bikes and skateboarding when he was younger and when his own children were old enough, he bought them dirt bikes and skateboards and taught them how to ride too.

Those that knew Kenny knew what a humble, hardworking man he was.  He put long hours of work in to take care of his family.  He put his wife and children first, ALWAYS.  He was very loyal to his family and passed that trait on to both of his children.  Kenny was very laid back and was always smiling and laughing.  Everyone that knew him loved him.  He was a big man with a gentle heart.

Left to honor and cherish Kenny’s memory is his devoted wife, soul mate and best friend Lisa Saxton, daughter Kaitlin Saxton Wike, son Gage Saxton, grandson Emory Wike, son-in-law Aaron Wike, brothers Fred and Rob Saxton, sisters Lindy Reiver, Wendy Saxton and Jennifer Culpepper, many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Ann.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life service on the beach next spring and will notify everyone of the date and time.  They welcome any family and friends who would like to share their memories of Kenny to do so during the service.  Kenny’s son Gage will paddle out into the ocean on Kenny’s surfboard in honor of his dad.  Anyone wanting to join Gage on their surfboards is welcomed to do so too.  Kenny would love that.

The measure of a man cannot be calculated by the size of his bank account but instead by the number of people who loved him.  In that regard, Kenny was the richest man on earth. 

Kenny, we love you to the moon and back, forever and always.  You live on in our hearts and our memories and that will never cease.  It was never an accident that I met you, fell in love with you the first time I saw you and married you.  I knew from that first moment that you were the other half of me that I had been searching for for so long.  Our children and grandson were divinely sent to us to complete our circle and they will carry your legacy on for the rest of their days.

Love,

Lisa, Kaitlin, Gage, Emory and Aaron