Lester Payton

Retired USAF Technical Sergeant Lester Payton, 88, of Fort Collins, Co, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2020. Lester was born in Scraper, Oklahoma on August 21, 1931, along with his twin, Chester Payton, to parents Mont and Mary (Jordan) Payton.

Lester’s youth was first spent in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, then in Ft. Collins, Colorado, where he met and married his first wife, June (divorced), and later met and married his second wife, Jo Ann Hatfield-Payton (divorced). Lester enlisted in the USAF April 30, 1952, where he proudly served for 20 years; retiring as Technical Sergeant October 31, 1972. While serving, Lester earned several medals and awards such as longevity, good conduct, as well as, a safe driving award while stationed at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. Lester’s main duties were working in the commissary and working as a meat cutter. In his civilian career, Lester continued working as a meat cutter at CSU for another 20 years before retiring.

Lester enjoyed many activities such as fishing, watching baseball, walking around the mall, attending church, and bowling where he was a team member in many leagues. Lester also enjoyed visiting with family and friends, as well as, helping with church functions and when he volunteered during some of the CSU home football games at Hughes Stadium.

Lester is preceded in death by his parents Mont and Mary Payton, sister Beulah, brothers Bobby, Charles, Rufus Lee, twin brother Chester, and Jim; son (from first marriage) Stephen , daughter (from first marriage) Patricia Ann.

Lester is survived by daughter (from second marriage)Shirley Payton-Niebur, grandson, Brandon Niebur; Sister, Dorothy Swackhammer, and Sister-in-law Sharon Payton (Jim).

Graveside service will be held at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, 8426 US-287, Ft. Collins, Co 80525, Friday, January 31, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. Reception following at the American Legion, 2124 Co Rd 54G Ft. Collins, Colorado 80524.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Legion or LaPorte Presbyterian Church.