Howard John Payton, 83, of Baker City passed away on October 18, 2020, in Boise, Idaho.  A Recitation of the Rosary will take place at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 27th at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral and a Graveside Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, October 28th at 1:00 PM at Mount Hope Cemetery in Baker City.  Father Suresh Kumar Telegani and Pastor Tim Fisher will officiate.  Friends and family will be invited to gather at the Payton Ranch in Wingville for a reception following the Graveside Ceremonies.

Howard was born to John and Florence (Mills) Payton of Baker, Oregon on September 23, 1937.  He attended Baker schools, graduating from Baker High School in 1955.  On December 30, 1956, he married Sandra Colton.  After attending Eugene Technical School in Eugene, Oregon, he returned to his parent’s ranch and has operated the ranch ever since.

Howard was a very active member of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral and the Knights of Columbus.  He was also very active with the Baker Rural Fire Department for 35 years, 14 of which, he served as Fire Chief.  He served as a board member on Baker Valley Water and Soil Conservation and was a member of the Wingville Grange.  He also served on the budget board of Vector Control and was a lifetime member of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association. 

Howard enjoyed being a square dance caller and was a member of The Crazy Eight Square Dance Club and later The Elkhorn Swingers.  He had a love for classic cars and was very involved with the Baker Memory Cruise since it started in Baker City.  He was a member of the Charlies Angels Car Club and then the Shifters Car Club.  He also loved hunting, but best of all, he was the legendary “Mayor of Wingville”.

Howard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sandra Colton Payton; son Vincent Payton and his wife Sheryl of Baker City; daughter Valerie Payton Donicht and husband Mark of Weiser, Idaho; son Bob Payton and wife Kelly of Northglenn, Colorado;  sister Kathleen Payton Wright of Ridgefield, Washington;  Grandchildren:  Kristie Payton & Josephine Payton Choate and her husband Alex of Reno, Nevada; Colby Donicht and wife Janet of Boise, Idaho; Calli Donicht Haun and husband Brent of Weiser, Idaho, Jonathon Payton de Courcy of Norwich, Connecticut;  Great Grandchildren, Aubrey Bacher & Jasmine Bacher of Reno, Nevada; Aiden Choate and Vanessa Choate of Reno, Nevada;  Gianna, Genevieve and Craeton Donicht of Boise, Idaho;  Taven & Brexon Haun (and number 10 great-grandson to arrive in December) of Weiser, Idaho.

He was preceded in death by his parents John & Florence Payton and his son Bill Payton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Billy Payton Memorial Fund, The Baker Rural Fire Protection Fund, or to the Charity of One’s Choice through Coles Tribute Center, 1950 Place Street, Baker City, Oregon 97814.