IN MEMORIAM

EXPANDED EULOGIES

Wayne Payton

A memorial service with military honors for Wayne Freeman Payton, 99, Abilene, who entered into rest Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Abilene Place, will be 11 a.m., Friday, June 9, 2023, at Strong City Cemetery.

Wayne was born Nov. 13, 1923, in Burns to Fredrick Hugh and Alta (Sidner) Payton.

He graduated from Cedar Point High School in 1941 and served honorably in the U.S. Army in the European theater from 1943 to 1945.

He was united in marriage to Helen Marie Danford on Feb. 19, 1949, at the courthouse in Cottonwood Falls.

To this union were born three children, Marshall “DeWayne” Payton (and wife Joette) of Abilene, Marcia Wischropp (and husband Wayne) of Lyndon, and Marla Spohr (and husband Dennis) of Arizona.

Wayne and Helen were longtime residents of Burdick from 1956 to 1972. They made Florence their home until they retired and then made their home in Emporia. Wayne resided at Abilene Place, Abilene since 2016.

Wayne was preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen Payton; his parents, Fred and Alta Payton; his brother; and five sisters.

He is survived by his three children; six grandchildren, Nicole Spohr, Craig Wischropp (and wife Trudy), Jennifer Payton Elliott (and husband Andy), Wesley Spohr (and wife Nancy), Carrie Wischropp Lin (and husband Brian), Delynn Payton Farson (and husband Matt); and 13 great-grandchildren.

Other survived include brother-in-law Eddie Danford (and wife Doris) of Saffordville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lyndon Honor Flight or Dickinson County Hospice in care of Charter Funerals, 501 W 6th St, Emporia KS 66801.