Kenneth Payton

Kenneth (Tuffy) Dale Payton Sr. was born to Claudia Wilsey Payton and Delbert Payton on September 23, 1946. He grew up in a family full of brothers and sisters who were very spirited and loved to push the envelope. His father died while he was young and he quit school to go to work to help support his mother and siblings. He never regretted it and was proud to do so. He was then drafted into the US Army to go to Vietnam in 1967. While on leave in Seoul South Korea he met Yu Su Kyong (Candy). They married on December 5, 1968. Kenneth and Candy welcomed their son Ken Payton Jr on November 8, 1973. Their little family had many adventures spending time in the mountains and spending time together as a family. They welcomed many of Ken's friends to their home over the years and treated them as their own. They took them hunting, fishing and showed them a new world in the outdoors. On April 2, 1994 they welcomed Kama Pfefferkorn Payton to their family. March 15, 1997 Candy lost her battle to lung cancer and went home. Tuffy was lost without her but treasured the time they had together and talked of the time they would once again be together. April 19, 1999 he was blessed with his grandson Zachery Payton (Zack). Zack and Grandpa were best of friends. They were hunting and fishing partners.

Ken was proud of his service in the Army and to be a Veteran. He worked in sawmills in the area until he retired in 2008. He enjoyed watching his grandson play football and the friends who came over to play who all called him grandpa. He loved his family and his dogs. He would reminisce of all the crazy things he and his brothers did as kids and his adventures with Candy.

He is survived by his son Ken Payton Jr, Kama Payton, Zack Payton. Brothers Clifford and Gary (Dannette) Payton and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents Claudia and Delbert Payton Sr, Sisters Marietta Payton Miller, Patricia (Patty) Payton, and Brothers Gale, Delbert (Sonny) Payton.

There will be a graveside service at 1:00 P.M., on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at Pine Grove Cemetery in Kooskia. A potluck will follow at the Clearwater Valley High School Cafeteria. In lieu of flowers, donations to help with expenses can be made at Trenary Funeral Home.

While saying goodbye is very difficult, knowing my parents are together again is a comfort.