Stephen Saxenian

STEPHEN SAXENIAN, 84, a well-known Houston businessman who owned and operated Bagdad Carpet Company for more than a half century and the co-founder of St. Kevork Armenian Apostolic Church, died on January 23, 2007 after a lengthy illness. He will always be remembered by those who loved him and whose lives he touched as a true philanthropist, business man and, above all, humanitarian. His honesty, integrity and selflessness were his hallmark traits. Born on February 26, 1922 in Rochester, New York to Yepreme and Araxie Saxenian, Stephen was a first generation American from Armenian descent. His father had been a professor in Turkey prior to the Turkish genocide. Stephen was the oldest of five children, earning him the affectionate nickname of "Big" among his siblings. While growing up, the language at home was Armenian which forced him to quickly learn English at school. He was a good student and developed a proficiency for languages. At the age of 17, Stephen's father passed away and he began helping his mother run the rug cleaning business his parents established. Upon high school graduation, he was offered a full college scholarship but declined so that he could continue to operate the family business and take care of his family. Stephen was drafted into the army in 1941 despite his head of household status. He proudly served in the European Theatre as an artillery sergeant stationed in Italy and fought in the Battle of Montecito. Upon his return from the war, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary O'Malley, on January 11, 1947. In 1948, shortly after he and his new bride relocated to Houston, Texas, Stephen established Bagdad Carpet Company at 5869 Westheimer Road. Once the business was up and running, Mary gave birth to their two sons, Steve and Tom, who later joined their father in managing and operating the business. In 1961, Stephen founded the St. Kevork Armenian Apostolic Church and became the first chairman of the board, a position he held for many years. For his contributions to the church and Houston Armenian community, he was presented with an encyclical from the Catholicos of all Armenians praising him for his contributions to the Armenian Church. In 2002, after 54 years of operating Bagdad Carpet Company, Stephen sold the business and retired. Stephen is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary, and their two sons, Stephen and Thomas Saxenian, and Stephen's wife, Esmerelda, grandchildren; Mary Kathryn and her husband, Brian Aston, Adam, Amy, Brian, Susan, and Jasmine Saxenian, his sister, Angel Gozigian and brother, Ara Saxenian and numerous nieces and nephews. Stephen was preceded in death by his brother, Diran Saxenian, and sister, Virginia Saxenian. A Wake service will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 26, 2007 at St. Kevork Armenian Church, 3211 Synott. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2007 at St. Kevork. Interment will follow in Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Kevork Armenian Church.