Donald A. Payant

Donald Alan Payant of Childersburg, Alabama died peacefully at his home on January 21, 2026. He was 97 years old at the time of his death. Mr. Payant was born in Iron Mountain, Michigan and was the sixth oldest of eight children. He left high school in 1945 to join the Army in World War II. When asked why he joined the Army, he said "because that's where my brothers were." He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1947 and graduated from Michigan Tech with an Engineering degree in 1950. He went to work for the Kohler Company in WIsconsin and met his wife of 69 years. They moved to Childersburg with their family in 1966 where he worked for Kimberly Clark until he retired.

Mr. Payant attended Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Childersburg. He enjoyed playing golf, his flowers and spending time with his family and friends.

Mr. Payant was preceded in death by his wife Marian in 2021 and his son Craig in 2022. Survivors include his four sons Mike Payant (Becki); Dan Payant (Janice); Brian Payant (Staci); Andy Payant (Kelly); and his two daughters Sarah Young (Randy); and Tracey Payant Cleckler; 25 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Jude CHildren's Hospital, Doctors Without Borders, or Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.

There will be a mass at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church and graveside service at a date and time to be determined.