Apr. 28, 1929 - Oct. 25, 2013
Date of Service: Nov. 1, 2013
Charles Matthews Payton
OAKLEY – Eighty-four years ago, Charles Matthews Payton was born in the family home in Oakley, Idaho, and died on Oct. 25, 2013, at the Cassia Regional Medical Center. Chuck was born to Charles Benjamin and Ethel Elizabeth Matthews Payton on April 28, 1929. He was the older brother of Mary and Tim, the loving husband of Liz, and the father of five daughters.
Chuck attended school at Oakley Elementary, Oakley High School and Utah State University. He was active in FFA, sports, and community service. He worked for many years with his uncle, Tuff Matthews, where he gained a lifelong love of farming, ranching, good livestock, and horses. He and his wife farmed and ranched in the Oakley and Lynn valleys for many, many years.
On June 16, 1950, he married his sweetheart, Elizabeth Port, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They were blessed with five daughters, who he taught to love the outdoors, farming, ranching, horses, the gospel, and their mother.
Chuck was a valiant member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings including a Young Men presidency, ward and stake Sunday school presidency, a kind and faithful home teacher, and as a counselor in a bishopric. He and his wife faithfully served a mission to Winter Quarters, Nebraska, where he welcomed many into his heart and life.
Chuck always loved horses. He was one of the founding members of the Oakley Vigilantes and served on their board for many years. True to his heritage, Chuck was a 4-H leader for more than 20 years, where he shared his expertise and knowledge of livestock, especially cattle, with not only his own children, but many others throughout the community, county, and beyond. His love for cattle has been passed down to his children and grandchildren where many have had college scholarships to work in that field.
Chuck worked hard all of his life on the farm and ranch. He found fun in the simple everyday things and his children loved working with him. He saw the best in everyone he met and was very patient and kind. Although a quiet man, he never met a stranger, only another friend. He easily engaged everyone in conversation and could always find common ground. He was especially loved by the large extended family that he married into, and loved them as his own.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Elizabeth of Oakley; his daughters, Sally Pietsch (Terry) of Syracuse, Utah, Susan Bedke of Oakley, Kristal Childs (Larry) of Gunnison, Utah, and Janet Nash (Scott) of Pocatello; one brother, Tim Payton (Kathy) of Oakley; a brother-in-law, Lloyd D. Smith of Mesa, Arizona; ten grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at the Oakley LDS Stake Center, 355 N. Center, with Bishop Doug Pickett officiating. Burial will be in the Oakley Cemetery.
A viewing for family and friends will be held at the Oakley Stake Center from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, and from 1 until 1:45 p.m. Friday prior to the service.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.
