Donald "Rex" Payton of Angels Camp

   Donald "Rex" Payton, of Angels Camp passed away on January 27, 2014. He was born on
November 4, 1941 to Leah Crumly Payton and Chester Payton in Watseka, Illinois.

   He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jac (Jaci) Elaine McCutchan Payton; his son Benjamin Payton (Vicky of Marina, daughter Brenda Jones (Darren) of Angels Camp, sister Marguirite Payton Rose and nephew Dean Rose, both of Texas; six grandchildren; Sesar and Nick Sanchez, Jordan Payton, Katie Smith, Travis Rankin and Tim Jones and  his wife's brother and sister-in-law Jim and Pat McCutchan of Murtphys.

   Rex attended elementary school and high school in Sheldon, Illinois. He attended the University of Illinois and graduated in 1963 with a BS degree in Forestry.

   On January 27, 1963 he married his high school sweetheart Jaci. They moved to Calaveras County in July 1963 where Rex began his career with the US Forest Service.

   Their son Benjamin was born in 1965 and daughter Brenda in 1969.  His love for his kids and grandkids knew no bounds.

   Rex loved his work with the Forest Service and the USFS friendships that he formed were precious to him.

   Rex enjoyed golf, babysitting the preschoolers from the MOPS Program, and volunteering at the Friends of the Logging Museum in White Pines.

   He was an active member of the Murphys Covenant Church where he served as Financial Secretary and Treasurer.

   Rex will be remembered for his sense of humor, his inclination to tell "stories" (aka stretching the truth), for his quiet personality, his loyalty, his love of children and theirs for him.

   He was even tempered, never got angry, never had an enemy and was loved by all who knew him.

   He was recently described as a "gentle giant".  Although he kept his emotions to himself, and was never very vocal, he loved the Lord and served Him in his own quiet way.

   Cremation has taken pace and a memorial service will be held at Murphys Covenant Church at 34 Jones Street in Murphys at 12 Noon on Friday February 7, 2014.

   A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.    In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Murphys Covenant Church at PO Box 351 Murphys, CA.

   Andgels Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements.