Robert L. Payton

Robert L. Payton 84, of Carmel, IN, died Thursday, May 19, 2011. Born August 23, 1926, in South Bend, IN, he was the son of John and Mamie Burns Payton. He married Pauline S. Payton, with whom he spent 60 wonderful years. As a pioneer in the field of philanthropy, Mr. Payton played a leading role in establishing philanthropy as an academic discipline, becoming the first ever professor of Philanthropic Studies and founding Director of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University (IUPUI). He and his wife, Pauline, established the Matthew and Joseph Payton Philanthropic Studies Library at IUPUI, one of the finest collections on philanthropy and the non-governmental sector worldwide. He is the author of countless publications, including Philanthropy: Voluntary Action for the Public Good, and Understanding Philanthropy: Its Meaning and Mission. He earned many honors, including several honorary doctorates, and the John W. Gardner Leadership Award. He served on numerous private and non-profit advisory boards; he was a foundation executive and university president. He also served his country as U.S. Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Cameroon, and as a paratrooper in World War II. Above all, he was a remarkable public teacher, inspiring action through "books, ideas, talk." He is survived by a sister, one son, two grandsons, and an adoring family. He was preceded in death by two sons, two brothers, and his wife Pauline. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Matthew and Joseph Payton Philanthropic Studies Library at Indiana University (IUPUI).