Richard Albert Payton Jr.

Richard "Rick" Payton Jr. passed away after 70 years of life on December 7, 2023. He was a good person and will be dearly missed. Richard Payton Sr. and Jeanette Payton had four children. Rick was the youngest and the only boy. His sisters are Beverly, Pam, and Sandy. They all grew up in New Castle, Kentucky and graduated from Eminence Independent School. Rick started his career at Steel Technologies in Eminence, KY. He was smart and worked really hard there over 45 years in many positions, including executive ones. He was very proud when he was presented with a special "45 Years" plaque, recognizing his contributions and tenure. Working at the same company didn't mean staying put. Rick moved around to help Steel Tech grow, also living in Indiana, Tennessee, and Ohio. He travelled once to Japan for steel industry meetings. But he moved back to Louisville several times. He loved his city. He loved the Derby, Thunder, Sapporo, the Courier-Journal with his coffee and he loved his apartment, where he lived for almost 20 years. His children are 3 girls and a boy, just like his parents had. Chasity, Jennifer, Blake, and Meredith were born over a span of 15 years. All four really looked up to their dad. And he was a FUN dad. Having fun was his love language. Rick retired right on time at age 65. Then he moved to Toledo to settle down with his long-time partner, Jan. They were engaged in 2022. He hated the cold, but he adjusted because he loved Jan. Northern Ohio is beautiful in winter, he had to admit. He was Papaw Payton to Skyler, Brendan, and Maiya (Jennifer's kids), and he was Bumpa to Aliyah, Jan's granddaughter. He was very fond of the family dog Tenley, and they were best buds. His favorite words were "Go Big Blue" and "Go Irish!" His favorite clothes were UK and Notre Dame shirts. It's an understatement to say he liked watching Kentucky basketball and Notre Dame football - especially in front of a roaring fireplace with Jan during those cold Toledo winters. He ate a lot of leftovers and made a lot of soups and chili. And if it can be grilled, he grilled it. No one could eat spicier food. He loved the hottest wings that any restaurant could make. All who witnessed him eat the hottest of the hot were impressed. Rick was handsome, engaging, and he smiled a lot. He was hilarious and had a lust for life. He loved to laugh and had great one-liners. He was quick-witted and slow to criticize. He was a great listener. Because he was sentimental, his gifts and Hallmark cards were personal and amazing. Every gift he gave was meaningful, never just stuff. There were photos of loved ones and keepsakes everywhere in his always-tidy and clean home. He was very organized and neat. Rick just wanted to be outside most of the time. Nothing fancy. His happy place was watching a sunset with a glass of wine wherever he was. Two of his favorite places to relax and enjoy were Lake Missaukee at Jan's family's cottage in Michigan and on the beach of Siesta Key, Florida. He loved fresh air, sunshine, and water. There are many flip-flops -and-no-shirt photos in the family photo album. Rick's family and friends adored him and loved being with him. There was always laughter, good food, and hugs. Please remember them in your thoughts and prayers because they lost someone very, very special. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of these causes or your local animal rescue:

Richard Albert Payton Jr.

July 18, 1953 - December 7, 2023