Kenneth A. Payton

May 9, 1933 ~ December 16, 2022

Kenneth A. Payton, 89, of Hudson, Florida passed away peacefully at home among his family at 5:45 PM on December 16, 2022, after battling a long-term illness for six years.

He was born in Highland County, Ohio May 9, 1933 to Homer A. and Carrie L. Montgomery – Payton.  A proud graduate 1951 class of Fairfield High School from Leesburg, Ohio; he later joined the United States Marine Corps in 1952, serving during the Korean Conflict and after, until 1960 and was honorably discharged.

Mr. Payton began and established a career in banking, working at in providing loans to the Washington Court House, Ohio community for several banking institutions such as Huntington National Bank and Fifth Third Bank.   During this time, he was very active in the community he loved: serving in the development of an industrial park, school boards for Miami Trace School District, Great Oaks Vocational School District, and the Progressive School District.  He later became the President and CEO for The Citizen’s Savings Bank in Pemberville, Ohio and The NCB Cooperative Bank in Hillsboro, Ohio. In 1996, he retired in Florida enjoying family, neighbors, and golf.

Other community service included active participation in Rotary of Washington Court House, and a sixty- year membership in the Free and Accepted Masons in the Leesburg and New Holland, Ohio Lodges.

Mr. Payton is survived by his devoted wife Christine Hinks – Payton of Hudson, Florida, son Thomas R. Payton of Kettering, Ohio and granddaughter Amanda Payton – Flowers and her husband Jason, great grandson Trevor, all  of Washington Court House, Ohio; Rev. Heather Payton – Melton and Rev. JK Melton, two great granddaughters Carrie and Lucy;  daughter Tammy Payton – Buskirk and husband Jeff of Grove City, Ohio, granddaughter Sarah Buskirk- Delcamp of Columbus, Ohio, great  grandchildren  Jordan and Mira; and grandson Nathan Buskirk of Pittsburgh, PA; Jackie Evans and husband Jeff of Largo, Florida and daughters Jemma Wilson and granddaughter Maya of Odessa, Florida;  Rachel Evans-Davis of Fernandine Beach, Florida;  and grandson Grant  Bennett  of  Largo, Florida.  Two sisters Maxine Trainer a in Columbus, Ohio and Rosemary Payton- Pachter and her husband Earl of Richardson, TX along with several nieces, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

He was an active participant of the afternoon “Norman Circle Union Meeting & Fellowship” where friends gathered daily to discuss and solve the world’s current problems, while enjoying a cool beverage after a long hot day.  Special thanks for their efforts at this noble work as well as the kindness and support shown both now and through the years. Much appreciation to the Ladies Golf League who regularly stopped by while ‘playing through” to check on Ken, greet, and lift his spirits ~ multiple hugs and kisses meant so much to him. You all have been the hands and feet of Christ. Peace and all good things to all of you.  You are and always will be precious to us and in our hearts.

A celebration of life and resurrection will be held at the Dobie Funeral Home Chapel on January 14, 2023 at 1:00 PM located at 8825 Old CR 54, New Port Richey, Florida 34653.  Celebrants will be Reverend Richard Landon and Thomas R. Payton.

Friends may, in lieu of flowers donate to Florida Chapter of the American Cancer Society or Gulfside Hospice.