Obituary for Leo J. Payton Jr.
Leo Joseph Payton Jr. was born on July 18, 1951, in Battle Creek, Michigan to Essie (Sims) Rogers and Leo Joseph Payton Sr. Leo was the oldest of this union and the oldest of all his siblings. Leo grew up and attended Battle Creek Public Schools where he would graduate from Battle Creek Central High School. After high school he attended Kellogg Community College and majored in Art and Drafting.
On July 18, 1980, Leo married his wife and life-long friend Diane (Tate) Payton. From this union were 6 children. Earlier in Leo’s life he worked for Post Consumers Brand and would later retire from Rock-Tenn Paper Company. Leo had a passion for helping others and it would lead he and his wife to become foster parents where he worked for the State of Michigan’s foster agency for over 15 years and fostered over 60 children statewide. During his time as a foster parent he received multiple awards and accolades from local and state agencies for his loving care.
While working Leo remained an avid artist and leader in the arts community of Battle Creek. After his retirement from Rock-Tenn, he opened one of the first Black-owned art galleries in Battle Creek: Payton & Pearson Fine Arts. Leo’s art has been cherished by many in exhibitions nationwide. In the early 2000s, he became a graphic designer for the Battle Creek Enquirer. Leo later received the opportunity to become a paraprofessional for Starr Commonwealth. During this time, he pursued his bachelor’s degree from Spring Arbor University. Up until the day of his retirement, Leo was a leader at Starr where he became a certified Diversity trainer and helped mentored children and staff alike.
The same leader he was in his professional life, he also was in faith. Leo was a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Maranatha Original Church of God and one of the founding members of New Birth Bible Church and Ministries. He was affectionately known as Moses for his love of the word of God and gift for teaching. Under the leadership of New Birth, he became an ordained deacon as well. He participated in Men’s Ministry, children’s outreach and many others. Leo hosted bible study sessions at home and was a pillar in the church. His love for God and His people also gave him the opportunity to serve as director of the Senior’s Ministry at Washington Heights Community Ministries.
Among his life full of service, he enjoyed many hobbies and interests. Leo was known for his love of outdoors and gardening with a yard to envy ALL yards! He was a music lover and played flute as well. He enjoyed jazz, gospel, Broadway classics, but his favorite was funk. He was a Funkadelic’s and Parliament super-fan! He enjoyed cooking and barbecuing for every family party. Leo loved to read, play games with his family, storytelling, watching action movies and sci-fi films. He loved sharing music and stories with his children and spending time with his wife. His legacy continues to thrive through his company Basic Black Gallery, where his vision can be loved and revered forever.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dennis and his son, Marcus. He leaves his wife, Diane; stepmother Velma Payton; children, Stephanie, Dabion, Malik, Nadia and Tia; sisters, Althea (Solomon) Milburn, Sandra Rogers-Finnie; brothers, Carl (Yvonne) Payton, Anthony (Ingrid) Payton; a host of nieces and nephews; special goddaughter, Regina West and special friends, Keith (Linda) Matthews and Leslie Richardson.
In accordance with Leo’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 1:00pm at Baxter Funeral & Cremation, 375 W. Dickman Road, Battle Creek.
On July 18, 1980, Leo married his wife and life-long friend Diane (Tate) Payton. From this union were 6 children. Earlier in Leo’s life he worked for Post Consumers Brand and would later retire from Rock-Tenn Paper Company. Leo had a passion for helping others and it would lead he and his wife to become foster parents where he worked for the State of Michigan’s foster agency for over 15 years and fostered over 60 children statewide. During his time as a foster parent he received multiple awards and accolades from local and state agencies for his loving care.
While working Leo remained an avid artist and leader in the arts community of Battle Creek. After his retirement from Rock-Tenn, he opened one of the first Black-owned art galleries in Battle Creek: Payton & Pearson Fine Arts. Leo’s art has been cherished by many in exhibitions nationwide. In the early 2000s, he became a graphic designer for the Battle Creek Enquirer. Leo later received the opportunity to become a paraprofessional for Starr Commonwealth. During this time, he pursued his bachelor’s degree from Spring Arbor University. Up until the day of his retirement, Leo was a leader at Starr where he became a certified Diversity trainer and helped mentored children and staff alike.
The same leader he was in his professional life, he also was in faith. Leo was a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Maranatha Original Church of God and one of the founding members of New Birth Bible Church and Ministries. He was affectionately known as Moses for his love of the word of God and gift for teaching. Under the leadership of New Birth, he became an ordained deacon as well. He participated in Men’s Ministry, children’s outreach and many others. Leo hosted bible study sessions at home and was a pillar in the church. His love for God and His people also gave him the opportunity to serve as director of the Senior’s Ministry at Washington Heights Community Ministries.
Among his life full of service, he enjoyed many hobbies and interests. Leo was known for his love of outdoors and gardening with a yard to envy ALL yards! He was a music lover and played flute as well. He enjoyed jazz, gospel, Broadway classics, but his favorite was funk. He was a Funkadelic’s and Parliament super-fan! He enjoyed cooking and barbecuing for every family party. Leo loved to read, play games with his family, storytelling, watching action movies and sci-fi films. He loved sharing music and stories with his children and spending time with his wife. His legacy continues to thrive through his company Basic Black Gallery, where his vision can be loved and revered forever.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dennis and his son, Marcus. He leaves his wife, Diane; stepmother Velma Payton; children, Stephanie, Dabion, Malik, Nadia and Tia; sisters, Althea (Solomon) Milburn, Sandra Rogers-Finnie; brothers, Carl (Yvonne) Payton, Anthony (Ingrid) Payton; a host of nieces and nephews; special goddaughter, Regina West and special friends, Keith (Linda) Matthews and Leslie Richardson.
In accordance with Leo’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 1:00pm at Baxter Funeral & Cremation, 375 W. Dickman Road, Battle Creek.