Ralph Payton

RALPH E. PAYTON 57, of Central Lake, died Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at home with his family by his side. Ralph was born November 12, 1950 in Newberry the son of Charles and Betty (Perry) Payton. A lifelong Antrim County resident, he graduated from Central Lake High School in 1969. He than attended Ferris State College and earned an Associates degree in Refrigeration, Heating and Air conditioning. Ralph opted to serve his country for four years in the United States Navy before starting his career. He owned and operated Payton Heating and Cooling for many years. He had a great love for hunting and traveling to the Upper Peninsula where he enjoyed the outdoors including many snowmobile trips. Surviving are his wife Elly (Ernst), three children, Brooke (Casey Wilson) Payton, Matt (Lana) Oliver and Albert (Linda) Clark all of Central Lake, three brothers, Powers (Marie) Payton of Grand Rapids, Clyde Payton of Central Lake, Dean (Lana) Daves of Whitehall, two sisters Patricia (William) Carpenter of Ellsworth, Sandy (Sonny) Bodley of Central Lake, four grandchildren Deven, Dalin, Garrett and Gwen, and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister Rhonda. Funeral services were held Friday, May 9, 2008 at the Pleasant Valley Free Methodist Church with Pastor Dave Scott officiating. Interment was in Southern Cemetery, Central Lake Twp., under the auspices of the US Navy. Memorial contributions may be made to the East Jordan Emergency Medical Services, 201 Main St., East Jordan, MI 49727. Arrangements were handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign our online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.