Ray E. Payton, 82, Lewiston

Ray E. Payton, 82, passed away at his home Thursday, July 19, 2007, after a prolonged battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Ray was born March 16, 1925, at Priest River, Idaho, to Albert and Polly Payton. He attended school in Twin Lakes, Idaho, and Pierce. He graduated from Pierce High School, where he participated in one of his favorite sports, basketball.

On Aug. 31, 1954, Ray married Rita M. White in Coeur d'Alene. They were married for 53 years.

Ray was a resident of Lewiston for 60 years. He worked in the woods as a sawyer for more than 25 years, which caused him to be away from home for long periods of time. To spend more time with his family, Ray became a successful businessman when he opened Payton's Gloverized Dry Cleaners. He also owned and operated R&R Car Washes and invested in rental properties.

As an avid outdoorsman, Ray enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. During retirement he enjoyed the outdoors through photography and the planting and nurturing of trees on his property near Lolo Creek.

Ray took great pleasure in meeting with his friends twice a week for coffee at Rosauers. He liked to make people laugh with his many funny stories and jokes. Every spring, Ray loved cultivating his vegetable garden and was most proud of his tomatoes. Ray had a passion for reading, and because of its connection to the area, he was fascinated in learning as much as possible about the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Ray is survived by his wife, Rita of Lewiston; his son, Ron Payton of Mississippi; his daughter, Linda and husband John Lightfeldt of California; his brother, Thirl Payton and his wife Mary Jo of Montana; three grandchildren, Sarah Kammert and Valerie Kammert of California, and Dustin Payton of Lewiston; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home in Lewiston, followed by a graveside service at Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements are through the gentle care of Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home.