MSG (Ret) Ray Arthur Payton

MSG (Ret) Ray Arthur Payton, son of the late Garl and Kathryn (Hawn) Payton, was born April 24, 1932 in East Liverpool, Ohio. In 1950, Ray entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his retirement in 1976. For his faithful service, Ray earned several awards and commendations; some of which included: Army Occupation Medal (Germany), National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Occupation Medal, Bronze Star Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal, Overseas Service Bars (4), Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Silver Service Star, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, Air Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation w/Palm, along with several others. He had attained the rank of Master Sergeant. While stationed in Germany, Ray met the love of his life, Hildegard Schneider and they were united in marriage on September 17, 1957 in Kaiserslautern, Germany. They shared over 55 years of marriage together and were blessed with four children. After retiring from the military, Ray was able to spend more time on his hobbies. He enjoyed parachuting, wood working, shopping and he was an excellent marksman. He was very fluent in four languages: English, German, French and Vietnamese. Ray was a long time member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 49 and the Francis J. Lynch VFW Post 3168 of Laquey. Most importantly, he treasured the times that he could spend with his family and friends. Ray passed away Monday, March 11, 2013 in the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri having attained the age of 80 years, 10 months and 15 days. He will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved him. Ray leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife: Hildegard Payton of the home; four children: Steven Payton (Gerlinda) of Ramstein, Germany, Bruce Payton (Samantha) of St. Robert, MO, Stephaine Williams (Kenneth) of Derby, KS and Robin Gallaher (George) of Waynesville, MO; thirteen grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 15, 2013 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Rev. Danny Graves officiating. The song “Young Love” was played and serving as escorts were the United States Army. Serving as honorary escorts were Michael Williams and Shannon Payton. Entombment with military honors followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ray Payton to the American Kidney Association or the American Diabetes Association and may be left at the funeral home.

MSG (Ret) Ray Arthur Payton

April 24, 1932 - March 11, 2013