Benjamin Warren "Ben" Payton Sr.

On Saturday, October 17, 2025 Benjamin Warren Payton Sr. departed this life peacefully at his home. Benjamin was the husband of Latonya (Jones) Payton. Benjamin was born March 26, 1961 in Danbury, CT, the youngest son to the late David and Mary (Smith) Payton. "Ben" as he was called by all, graduated from Henry Abbott Technical High School in Danbury, Connecticut and attended Southern Connecticut State University. To know Ben was to know a person whose heart beat in rhythm with the bounce of a basketball, whose life was filled with the spirit of the game. Ben was a star basketball player in high school and college. He was known for his signature jump shot and earned the name as a true left hand "Sharp Shooter". Ben played basketball well into his later years and was able to run circles around the younger crowd as they stood in awe watching him. His love for basketball began early and never faded, whether he was on the court, on the sidelines coaching, or cheering his favorite teams the UCONN Huskies and the Dallas Cowboys. A true master of his craft, our beloved Ben found deep satisfaction in his work as a construction and landscaping professional. He had a natural gift for operating heavy machinery, and his eyes would light up whenever he got to work with a bulldozer and Bobcat. Ben was compassionate about helping the youth in the community by coaching youth teams, and mentoring a new generation of players. His compassion for the game made him a tough coach but well respected. Ben loved his family and would dote over his grandchildren every chance he could. In addition to his wife Latonya, Ben leaves to cherish his loving memories three daughters; Natika Payton of New York, Natiesha Jones and Natavia Payton both of Waterbury, two brothers; David Anthony (June) Greene of Hesperia, CA, and William Payton of Greenville, NC, two sisters; Sheila (Timothy) Jones of Greenville, NC, and Jacqueline (Wimbley) Jimenez-Moore of Bridgeport, CT, three grandchildren; Noelle Payton, E'Milliano Payton, and Zenlen Payton, mother in law; Jackline Pickette, Brothers in law; Christopher (Rosie) Jones , Shelvonn Jones and Jason Jones, three aunts, one uncle, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. He was predeceased by son Benjamin Payton Jr. We'll miss his laughter, and his infectious love for his family and for the game of basketball.