Richard was born on June 6, 1923, to Archie and Eunice Payton in Centerfield, Ohio. He served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II. Trained for Flight Surgeon’s Assistant, he was assigned to the U.S. hospitals receiving the wounded and bedside care.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joe Payton; and wife of 59 years, Martha (Chapman) Payton.
He is survived by his son, Charles (Peggy) Payton; daughter, Marilyn (Paul) Leavitt; 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Dick’s name to the Belton Church of the Nazarene, 17200 Chestnut Drive, Belton, Missouri 64012.