Mr. Kenneth Waytho age 86 of Oak Ridge, Tn passed away Wednesday November 20, 2024.

Kenneth Waytho was a hospitable, warmhearted Christian minister.  Described as a born teacher, Ken was a true Bible scholar who loved to teach, especially about his God Jehovah.  He loved children, his Pomeranians, and, most of all, his dear wife Patty.

The oldest of two children, Kenneth was born June 3, 1938, to Teresa and Frank Waytho, in Brooklyn, New York. Since childhood, Kenneth always had a keen interest in the Bible, often reading it at night under the bedcovers. Along with his mother and sister, he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses November 15, 1952, at age 14. His father was baptized 18 months later.

In 1955 at a convention at Yankee Stadium, Kenneth met the love of his life and steadfast partner Pat. They were engaged in 1955 when Patty was 16 years old, she flew to New York City where Kenneth treated Patty to a Rockettes stage show. They were married on June 29, 1957, in Brooklyn, New York. Thus began 67 years together of exciting service to Jehovah, their God. Ever the generous romantic where Patty was concerned, Kenneth gave her flowers every Friday night for the first six months of their marriage. On their first anniversary, he took her out for filet mignon and her response was, “But I don’t like fish!”

Kenneth had a rich spiritual history and he and Pat influenced many to serve Jehovah, often in full-time service. Their first special pioneer assignment was Mount Carmel, IL in December 1957. Thereafter, in 1959 they attended the Watchtower Gilead School for Missionary Service and were assigned to Peru, South America, where they served four years, two years of which were in the traveling circuit work. Due to health concerns, they moved to Oak Ridge, TN, in 1963, serving in both the English and Spanish fields for decades.

Ken and Pat loved to travel. Their first vacation after returning to the States was to Mexico. In the years to follow they traveled to Europe, Hawaii, Japan, Israel, and Russia, and they took many cruises. On their vacations they worked together making Bible charts and maps, outlining chronology, and reveling in studying together. They both loved ballroom and swing dancing. Many friends remember Tea Dances in Knoxville where the two of them stole the show. There Kenneth taught many young ones not just the steps but the etiquette and beauty of dance.

For five years they worked together in the Oak Ridge art gallery they owned. They also owned and operated Prestige Portraits, which in time covered parts of five states. Ken and Pat were inseparable. One couldn’t say Ken without saying Pat. They were always a joy to be with for many, many friends.

Kenneth died peacefully in his sleep November 20, 2024, at the age of 86. He is survived by his devoted wife Pat (neé Plotner), and his sister Karen (Andrew) Hart, his nephew Jonathan (Martha) Hart, and their children Megan and Jordan, and countless adoring friends near and far.

Ken’s funeral service will be held on Saturday December 14, 2024, at 1:30pm at the Doubletree Hotel, 215 Illinois Ave., Oak Ridge, TN. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation at JW.org.