John Payton, Jr.

JOHN PAYTON, Jr. MELBOURNE LTC (ret) John Payton, Jr., 84, passed away on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, 2006, in Melbourne. He was born on January 29, 1922 in Peoria, IL to Mamie and John Payton. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1942, and performed 40 B-26 missions in the North African Theater as a navigator and bombardier. After serving in the Reserves, he was recalled to active duty during the Korean Conflict. On his final mission, Memorial Day 1952, he was shot down and held as a Prisoner of War until September 1953. Upon his release, he continued to fly in the US Air Force, and later worked in the Minuteman Missile Program and SAMSO. During his mili tary career, he was awarded the Distin guished Flying Cross, Meritori ous Service, ARMY and USAF Com mendations, Purple Heart, Air Medal, and Master Missileman Badge. He is survived by his sib lings, Robert (Polly) Payton of Indiana, Barbara (Harlan) Miller of Alabama; children, John (Karen) Payton of Texas, Kandi (Rick) Angermiller and Jim Payton, both of California, Jana Payton of Alabama, Dana (David) Chapman of Florida; grandchildren Jeff and Katee Anger Miller of Califor nia, Kendall and Jason Chap man of Florida and a beloved friend, Joy Robertson of Viera. He was preceded in death by his wives, Barbara Lee and Barbara June, as well as a brother Don. He was a wonderful father and friend and will be sadly missed. A full military memorial service will be held later this year.