Curtis Lee Payton

April 11, 1920 - September 27, 2016

Curtis Lee Payton, 96, a resident of Elizaville, New York, peacefully entered into eternal rest on September 27, 2016 at The Thompson House in Rhinebeck, N.Y. He was born at home on April 11, 1920 in Culpepper, Va. to the late Bertha Lee Payton and Samuel Payton. In 1929, when Curtis was 9 years old, the Payton family relocated to Red Hook, N.Y. He was educated in the Red Hook school district, and a graduate pf Red Hook High School. At a very young age, Mr. Payton became a dairy and fruit farmer. He was an extremely devoted employee of George W. Saulpaugh & Son, Inc. for 70 years. Curtis was an avid lover of the outdoors. A true historian, he often reminisced on several fascinating events that he was blessed to witness or be a part of, such meeting heavyweight boxing champion, Joe Louis, and shaking the hand of President Roosevelt at the dedication of the original F.D. Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park N.Y. in 1940. He was adored by all who came in contact with him. In 1951, Curtis married his wife of 62 years, the late Margaret (Boon) Payton. Curtis leaves to cherish his memory, his sister Londona Bailey of Niagara Falls, N.Y., great niece, LaWanda J. Payton of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., sister-in-laws Sarah Benton of Winston Salem, N.C., Earnestine Wood of Winston Salem, N.C., Arlie Boon of North Point, N.C., and brother-in-law, James Anderson, Boon of Suffolk, V.A., and several nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his brother Edward Payton, nephew Douglas Payton, Sister-in-laws Roberta Payton, Laura Boon, Cosie Lee, and brother-in-law, John Boon.