Gerald James Payton

Gerald James Payton, 85, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on June 20, 2025, after a short stay in The Woodland facility at Meth-Wick Community in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Gerald moved into Meth-Wick Community in February of 2023. While living in The Manor he enjoyed two plus wonderful years of participating in the extensive activities on Meth-Wick's campus.

Gerald was born October 15, 1939, at home in Bloomington Township, in Decatur County, IA to Maxine Irene (McGahuey) and James (Jimmy) Ai Payton. Gerald grew up on the family farm in the rural hills of southern Iowa where he worked on the farm, hunted and fished. He graduated from Kellerton High School in 1957. He continued his education at University of Northern Iowa, earning a Bachelor's in science and math education. Gerald married Sharon Bierlein in 1960. The couple had two daughters, Kathy Kupka of Hiawatha, IA and Jennifer Payton of West Norriton, PA. Gerald started his career teaching chemistry, physics, and mathematics in Adel, Iowa. He went to New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico for his masters. He attended Iowa State University and received a Chemistry PhD in 1971. Gerald taught chemistry and math at William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri. The family moved to New Orleans in 1985, Gerald taught at Dillard University. The family then moved to Michigan. Gerald taught at Aquinas College, Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI and Nazareth College-Kalamazoo. The couple moved to Mount Gilead, Ohio in 1998. Gerald graduated from the Police academy to be part of the Mounted police. He trained horses.

Gerald was a member of Ohio Horse Council and the Knox County Horse Park . He won the Cowboy Challenge. At one time he took care of 21 horses of which he owned 18 different horses. He enjoyed training and riding horses. He was a Morrow County Sheriff Office Mounted Deputy for 14 years.

Gerald is survived by his two daughters, Jennifer (Chittoor Narahari) Payton and Kathrina (Kerry) Kupka; grandchildren, Kathrina Payton and identical twins, Ashley and Alissa Kupka; sister-in-law, Donna Payton; and younger sisters, Virginia (Lyle) Main and Marjorie (Don) Hewlett.