Tim Payton

Sep. 11, 1935 - Nov. 7, 2026

Date of Service: Nov. 13, 2026

OAKLEY – George Timothy Payton, a loved husband, father, Grampy, and friend, peacefully passed on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the age of 91, surrounded by family in the comfort of his home in Oakley, Idaho.

He was born September 11, 1935, to Ethel Matthews Payton and Charles Benjamin Payton in Oakley, joining his older siblings, Chuck and Mary. Tim, being the youngest child of the family, was doted on by all, especially by his sister, Mary. He attended elementary and high school in Oakley where he was active in 4-H and FFA, graduating in 1953. He attended Utah State University for a short time, returning to Oakley to farm and raise livestock working for his uncle, Clarence "Tuff" Matthews.

He met his future wife, Kathleen "Kathy" Black, on a blind date to celebrate New Year's Eve in 1967. They married on October 25, 1968, in Elko, Nevada, later solemnizing their marriage in the Logan Utah Temple on June 25, 1980. Their union was blessed with two children, a daughter, Joan, in 1970, and a son, Matt, in 1974. They moved into their current home in 1975 which was built by Tim with help from family, friends, and neighbors. He continued to farm and raise livestock until his retirement.

He shared 58 years of marriage with Kathy, creating a home filled with warmth, joy and laughter. Their family grew to include son-in-law, Jeff Few, daughter-in-law, Tasha Anderson Payton, and four beautiful granddaughters. Tim's legacy continues through them – Tessla Anderson (Ray), Rhendi Bloomfield (Travis), Blakely Whimpey (Curtis), and Hope Russell (Cade), along with great-granddaughter, Noa Whimpey.

Tim was known for his genuine kindness, infectious good nature, and love for telling jokes. He never met a stranger and was a friend to all who crossed his path. Family gatherings were an important part of Tim's life, featuring meals prepared from old family recipes that he had learned from his mother and Aunt Edith. He relished in sharing memories and the history of Oakley with those he loved. He loved spending time with his granddaughters, helping them with their 4-H projects, attending their activities and sharing his wisdom and profound marriage advice.

Throughout his life, Tim loved raising, working with, training and being around animals. He enjoyed watching well-trained animals, learning how to train them and being around those who did. His gentle nature always drew animals towards him, and he always had a special bond with the current family dog or cat. Tim was also skilled with his hands and spent time crafting intricate braided reins, halters, and stamped leather goods. He enjoyed woodworking and spent time with his good friend, Bill Mitchell, creating special pieces for all his girls.

Tim was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served faithfully throughout his life. He always enjoyed his home teaching assignments – especially when he was partnered with his longtime friend, Goldie Burch.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ethel Payton; his brother, Charles "Chuck" Payton; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Belle Payton Smith and Lloyd D. Smith; and his dear Uncle Clarence "Tuff" Matthews and Aunt Edith Matthews, who played pivotal roles in shaping his life.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 13, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Oakley Idaho Stake Center, located at 355 N. Center Avenue, in Oakley, with Bishop Zane Gillette officiating. Burial will follow at Oakley Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, November 12, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday, preceding the funeral, at the church.

A webcast of the funeral service will be available and maintained at rasmussenwilson.com.