Jerome Lee Payton

Lifelong Martinsville resident, Jerome Lee Payton, was granted eternal rest on Thursday, March 27th, 2025, at the age of 79 at Altenheim Health and Living in Indianapolis. Jerry, as he was lovingly known, was born Saturday, September 15th, 1945, in Martinsville, Indiana. He was one of five children born to the late Clark Smith and Ruth Helen Payton. Jerry graduated from Martinsville High School with the class of 1963. After high school, he enlisted in the United States National Guard where he proudly served his country as a Master Sargent. After serving in the military, Jerry began working as a draftsman for Union Carbide in Indianapolis. He then made a career change and began working for the Morgan County Sheriff's Department, working in several different capacities, where he later retired. Jerry's hard-working mentality led him to begin working part-time shortly after retirement at the Martinsville City Police Department. He was a member of the local VFW Post #1257, American Legion Post #230, Elks Lodge #1349 and the Tread Trimmers Car Club, where he would enjoy showing off his mustang downtown Martinsville on Thursday evenings. He also enjoyed working, restoring, and tinkering with cars. In November of 2006, Jerry married the love of his life, Helen S. Payton, who survives him living in Martinsville. Together, the two spent almost 20 years of marriage together creating wonderful memories with each other and their three dogs, Ben Hur, Malachi and Athaliah Ruth. Jerry leaves behind a host of loving family including his wife, Helen S. Payton of Martinsville; daughter, Lisa Mallory (husband, Lewis) of Martinsville; brother, Jack Payton (wife, Helen) of Knoxville, Tennessee; sisters, Dawn Henderson (husband, George) of Danville, Ann Ayers of Plainfield and Linda Stevenson (husband, Terry) of Reelsville, Indiana; grandchildren, Ashley Turner (husband, Kyle), Alexandria Koons (husband, Will) and Jamie Cheeseman (husband, Dustin); and great grandchildren, Jordan, Jameson, Willow, Kinsley and Reed. In honoring Jerry's wishes, his earthly remains will be cremated. His family will host a celebration of life honoring Jerry's legacy at a later date. Neal and Summers Funeral & Cremation Center has been entrusted with arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared with Jerry's family online at www.nealandsummers.com.