Panumat K. Shontz

Panumat K. Shontz

1978-2024

Panumat K Shontz (aka Ae), 45, of Edmond, OK passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024, surrounded by love.

Panumat was born on November 2, 1978 in a small village in Thailand to Nattareeya Shontz (née Prasertchat). In 1988, Panumat became a part of the Shontz Family with the marriage of Nattareeya to his adoptive father, Harold “LeRoy” Shontz. On July 30, 2006, Panumat married his college sweetheart and love of his life, Christina M Shontz (née Moilanen).

Throughout his life, Panumat was humble yet had a determination to live a purpose-driven existence. Growing up in Thailand, he learned to never let anything go to waste and appreciated even the smallest of treasures. On Halloween in 1989, he moved to Arizona with his mom, older sister, Nantiya, and dad, and gained another sister, Jennifer, and a brother, Eric. During his formative years, he became a well-rounded individual participating in sports (football and wrestled at state level), played tuba, worked at a restaurant, and worked on his scholastic studies. Panumat attended Northern Arizona University, was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity, and graduated in 2002, with a BA in Hotel and Restaurant Management. He continued his studies culminating in a Masters degree in Military Studies.

Panumat was an outdoorsman through and through. Being in nature kept him grounded and was a source of fellowship. From catching crawfish, to dove hunting, to fishing in the rivers, gulf, and combat fishing in Alaska, to hunting caribou, moose and bear in Alaska he treasured the hunt and the company of those with him more than the trophy.

For 20 years, Panumat proudly served his country and retired from the United States Air Force as a Major in June 2022. His tours of service took him to Florida, Oklahoma, Alaska, Japan, Korea, Curaçao, the Middle East and many other places. During this time, he forged a camaraderie with those serving alongside him and created little villages of support in each community. Panumat served with pride, never considering the accolades that might follow. He kept his heart open to learn from those before him and in turn opened his heart to share his mentorship and leadership to those carrying on after him.

Those who knew Panumat, knew he loved a good feast. At an early age, he developed a passion for cooking, learning the art from his mother and as a line cook at Badenoch’s. His meals not only nourished the body, but fed the soul. Every adventure he went on would somehow circle back to food, no matter where he was in the world.

Panumat cherished life and nothing was more important to him than family. He was a son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew, uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law, and above all, a doting father and loving husband. In 2002, Panumat met Christina while attending NAU and the pair have been inseparable ever since. Their bond was like no other and was founded on shared life values. Panumat and Christina began their family with the sweetest Labrador fur-babies, Zeta and Fiji. In 2011, Panumat became a father with the birth of his first son, Carter then followed son, Preston, in 2015, and daughter, Morgan, in 2020. His children and wife were his everything.

Being a father was Panumat’s greatest accomplishment. He relished family adventures, especially visits to their home away from home, Walt Disney World, a place where he could be a kid with his kids. Panumat and Christina had a love that was magical, all they did they did with love. At home, Panumat would review mathematical equations with the boys and taught them brain teasing chess strategies and how to solve a Rubik’s cube. Panumat’s humble upbringing led to invaluable life lessons for all of his children. 

In recent years, Panumat found joy in coaching Preston’s baseball team, the Sharknados. Coach Ae was not only beloved by his team but by the parents as well. He and Christina had a way of bringing everyone together with love and care.

In November 2023, Panumat was diagnosed with stage 4 gastric cancer.  In spite of the prognosis and ever hopeful mindset, he fought the disease as hard as he could until the bitter end.

Panumat’s smile was contagious and his wit could catch you off guard and leave you laughing in stitches.

Panumat is survived by his wife, Christina M., and his three children, Carter, Preston, and Morgan of Edmond, OK; his mother, Nattareeya of Parker, AZ; sister, Jennifer Burrow-Sanchez, brother-in-law, Jason and nieces Emory, Tatum, and Elliot of Salt Lake City, UT; brother, Eric Shontz, sister-in-law, Laura, and niece, Bella of Ventura, CA; and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nephew, nieces, and in-laws.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Nantiya, and father, LeRoy.

Home is where the heart is and in that sense, Panumat will forever have a home in all of those who knew and loved him.

Panumat was not an extravagant man and did not like to be fussed over. To honor this humble man, we will be holding a private ceremony for immediate family.

Panumat loved a good feast.  To honor this part of his life and his wishes, we welcome everyone to join us for a Thai lunch and fellowship on Wednesday, March 27th from 11:00am-12:00pm at Wat Sangharatanaram – 5301 Foster Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73129.

In lieu of flowers, raise a glass and toast to you most treasured memories of Ae.

Condolences may be sent to The Shontz Family at: 3333 NW 187th Street, Edmond, OK 73012.

Team Shontz – always – forever – no matter what!