Joel Laverne Payton was born on December 25, 1935, to the late ED Payton and Viola Pines (Payton) in Leesville, La. He received his education from Vernon School, in Leesville, and earned his GED.
After High School, Joel, enlisted in the United States Air Force on July 7, 1954, and served 9 Years, 9 Months and 11 Days. He served with the 614th Fighter Bomber Squadron at England Air Force Base in Alexandria, Louisiana. He also served the 11th Armament and Electronics at Altus Air Force Base in Altus, Oklahoma. During his enlistment he earned the Lifetime Service Medal and the National Defense Medal.
Once retired for the Air Force Joel worked as a Bartender for years. He then left to work offshore with Oceanic Butler as the rigs official cook til 1986. In 1986 he opened his own restaurant, Payton’s Place in Leesville on Hwy 171. Here is where he served the community and Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk) Troops to a home cooked meal for Lunch and Dinner.
In 1973 Joel caught a glimpse of the love of his life, Leese Mae Keys. They were joined in Holy Matrimony on January 25, 1975, and were married for 42 years. The joining of their blended families blessed them with 8 beautiful children. They maintained their marriage in Leesville where they made this home. Here they attended church and served the community well. With the death of his wife, Leese Mae in 2016, Joel continued to live in Leesville until his death.
Joel was a lifelong member of New Willow Baptist Church. He served as president of Laymen Ministry and a Board member of Vernon Council of Aging. He loved serving his church by cooking in the kitchen and singing in the choir.
The Lord called his beloved son, Joel Laverne Payton home on December 18, 2023. He was a gentle spirit, who loved everyone he met. He never met a stranger in his eyes. His kind heart and infectious smile were always evident to everyone who knew and met him.
Joel is proceeded in death by his parents, his wife Leese Mae Payton, a newborn son, his sons, Steven Payton, Shelton Payton and Daryl Payton, his sister Mary Lee Bell (Payton), and two brothers Carl Payton and John Payton.
He leaves to cherish his memories six children, Phadrea Payton of San Antonio, TX; Demetrius Payton (Michelle) of San Antonio, TX; Tanja Payton of Leesville, LA; Kelvin Payton of Leesville, LA; Erica Mangum of Winnfield, LA; Len Payton (Monica) of Abbeville, LA; His grandchildren Felicia Payton, Clarissa Payton, Quintin Payton (Emily), Jamarcus Payton, Eric Whitehurst, Stephen Payton, Mason Payton (Yumeno) and Jaleigh Payton; His great grandchildren Nehemiah Crumedy, Anaya Richardson and Ayden Richardson; His Sister Neomi Brown of DeRidder, LA and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends and the entire church family of New Willow Baptist Church.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 11 a.m. until time of service at 12 p.m. at New Willow Baptist Church in Leesville under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home.