Payson Kenyon

Kenyon, Payson
91, of Scottsdale, AZ, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather was surrounded by his loving family when he went to be with the Lord on November 21, 2015. He was born in Braintree, MA on January 26, 1924. Payson was devoted to and is survived by his wife Edie of 61 years. Together they had four children, Debbie (Rich), Cindy (Dave), Dave (Mona) and Pam (Kevin), four grandchildren, Nicholas, Cheyenne, David (Meghan) and Daniel, two great grandchildren, Caleb and Hannah, with another one on the way. He is also survived by his only sibling, Valerie Cunningham of Florida. He was preceded in death by his grandchild, Nicholas. Payson served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II. Afterwards, he worked as an electrical engineer for General Electric in Utica and Syracuse, NY, where he worked closely with NASA on the radio guidance system for the Gemini manned space program. In 1968, he moved with his family to Scottsdale, AZ, where he worked for Honeywell in Phoenix. Payson was a track star in high school and college and continued with his passion for running and hiking throughout his life, earning numerous ribbons and awards. He participated in the senior Olympics in Syracuse, NY and St. Louis, MO. He was an active member of Chaparral Christian Church in Scottsdale for many years. He sang in the choir, served as an elder, and taught bible classes. He volunteered as a mentor at the House of Refuge Sunnyslope. Payson put God first in his life. He blessed others through his way of serving the Lord. His favorite bible verse was Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to his purpose". He is most remembered for his positive outlook, cheerful disposition, kindness, and acceptance toward all he came into contact with. He loved people and looked for the good in everyone. He made a difference in this world and will be greatly missed. Services will be held at 1:30pm on Sunday, November 29, at Chaparral Christian Church, 6451 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the House of Refuge Sunnyslope, 9935 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020, www.refugeandhope.com