Darwin Lee Payton

On Wednesday, September 15, 2021, Darwin left his earthly body and is present with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Darwin was at home surrounded by his family at the time of his death.

We find our strength in the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Who will separate us from the love of Christ?  Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death, no life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:35. 37-39

Darwin would like you to know he is finally home because salvation.is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved  Acts 4:12

Darwin Lee Payton, 78, was born in Cooper Hill, Missouri June 27, 1943.  He was the only child of Benjamin David and Cathleen Cleo (Hayes) Payton, who preceded him in death.  He is survived by the mother of his children Joyce (Willingham) Payton; daughter Sonya Kay Brad) Howell; son Greg (Patty) Payton; six grandchildren Kaylee (Caleb) Miller, Madison Howell, Tanner (Lexy)Payton, Nathan Payton, Joshua Payton (fiancée Jessica Amstutz) and Paislee Payton; four great-grandchildren Parker Miller, Shaun Miller, Rylee Miller and Toby Payton as well as several cousins and aunts.

Darwin received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1966 and his Master of Divinity Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1969.  He faithfully served as a pastor in Oklahoma, Missouri and Florida for over 25 years before being appointed as a Missionary by the North American Mission Board.  He served in that capacity for nearly 20 years.

Darwin had the honor of preaching the Annual Convention Sermon at the 150th Celebration of the Missouri Baptist Convention in the fall of 1984.  Along with other documents, his sermon "The Victorious Church" was sealed in a vault to be opened and replayed in 50 years at their 200th Annual Convention in 2034.

He loved fishing, especially deep sea fishing, road trips and especially his family.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 am Saturday September 18, 2021 at the Rock Church in Laurel.  Interment will be 1:00 pm Friday September 24, 2021 at Countryside Memorial Cemetery in Owensville, Missouri. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Darwin's name to the Rock Church   820 West 9th Street   Laurel, MT 59044