Matthew Payton (Seymour)'s Obituary
Matthew Shawn Payton, loving husband of Jennifer Payton, tragically lost his life the morning of Thursday, August 14, 2014, in a motorcycle accident on Hwy 60 in Seymour, Missouri. Matthew was fifty-five years, seven months and one day young.
One of four children, Matthew was born to Billy and Rose A. (Mortimer) Payton, on January 13, 1959, in Waterloo, Iowa. He was raised and spent his youth in Iowa. At the age of 18, he entered the United States Army and proudly served his country until being honorably discharged. Matthew returned to Iowa for a short time until moving to Fernandina Beach, Florida, where he became an electrician. Matthew also spent time working in the oil fields of Wyoming and Utah. He settled in Seymour in 2007. Matthew married Jennifer Rena’e Hennings on September 13, 2013, and they continued to build their lives together in Seymour. Matthew was baptized as a child and attended Lone Star Church in Seymour. Motorcycles and riding was his passion. He was a loyal member of Freedom of Road Riders (F.O.R.R.), Ozark Mountain Riders and several other riding clubs. Two of his fondest road trips were to Mardi Gras and then a tour of Florida and the southern states. Those close to him knew he also loved to cook. A French chef had taken him under his wings while he was enlisted and stationed in Europe. Matthew became an excellent chef himself with awesome culinary skills.
Matthew was preceded in death by his father, Billy Payton.
Matthew leaves behind his wife, Jennifer Payton of the home; daughter, Jolina (Payton) Benoit of Eunice, Louisiana; stepson, Stephen Regan and wife Gayle, of Tripoli, Iowa; stepdaughter, Annastacia Regan of Waverly, Iowa; stepson, Duell Regan of Readlyn, Iowa; three grandchildren, Rebecca, Calliope, and Aryanna; mother, Rose Payton of Vanzant, Missouri; brother, Michael Payton of Cedar Falls, Iowa; sister, Michelle Harrison and husband Dave, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; sister, Melinda Flores and husband Lebrado, of Converse, Texas; mother-in-law, Rena Regan of Red Wing, Minnesota; and many more extended family, dear friends and neighbors.
Matthew was a devoted husband, caring stepfather and father, proud Papa, loving son, and loyal brother and friend. We take this time to honor Matthew and celebrate his life and accomplishments. Though gone much too soon, his time here created so many loving memories and moments that will be cherished by all those who knew and loved him.
The Matthew S. Payton Memorial Fund has been established at Metro Community Credit Union in Springfield. Donations may also be made at Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Seymour.
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