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Joseph William Payton, Jr passed away the evening of August 4, 2021, at the age of 71. He was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 9, 1950 to Joseph William Payton, Sr and Agnes Gaetana Salanitri. He is the second of six children and is survived by his siblings, Kathleen, Joan, Denise, Richard, and Theresa, all of whom presently live in Long Island, New York, except Richard who lives in Brooklyn. He was preceded in death by his parents. Although born New York, Joe spent the last 31 years in Pahrump, Nevada moving to the area in 1990. He loved Pahrump.
Joe is married to his eternal companion, Linda Lee Miller, a Las Vegas native, and they journeyed 49 years together in this life.
Together they raised five children, Anna Rial (Provo, UT married to Andrew Rial), Richard Payton (College Station, TX married to Margo Kelly), Elizabeth Johnson (Pahrump married to Troy Johnson), Stephen Payton(College Station, TX married to Jessica Jacobs) and Kathleen Payton (Pahrump).
Joe loves every one of his grandchildren: Joey Strecker, Reilly Strecker, Jessica Payton, William Payton, Rebecca Payton, John Payton, Jennifer Lennox, Kimberly Lennox, Teagan Payton, Mallen Payton, Garen Payton, Rylan Payton, Olin Payton, and Stephen G. Payton II. He was very close to his father and mother in-law, Rick and Darlene Miller, who are deceased, and loved Linda's siblings Bradley, Barry and Cleo. Joe also loved his daughter's step-children and welcomed them into his family as his own grandchildren. He was also a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.
During his childhood Joe spent a lot of time with and grew very close to his Salanitri cousins. His godfather, Uncle Sonny Salanitri, was especially dear to him and was like a father to him when he needed it. Joe played football and sang in the choir in High School. He especially loved horses and would rent a horse to ride around long island as a teenager.
Joe joined the Air Force straight out of High School in 1968 and was part of the Red Horse Squadron responsible for surveying airfields for construction in areas close to enemy lines in Vietnam. he was first stationed at Clark AFB in the Philippines. He was then transferred to Nellis AFB NV where he met Linda and fell in love. They were married in the Nellis AFB Chapel in 1971. He separated with an honorable discharge in 1972 remaining a stalwart patriot all his life and remained in Las Vegas until 1990.
Joe was fiercely devoted to his family and was known for his hard work ethic. He was a truck driver early in his career until an injury led him to a brief time selling real estate in Pahrump. He eventually returned to trucking and worked as a Teamster at the Nevada Test Site until his first retirement. He returned to long haul trucking to train his son-in-law, retired again and then came out of retirement once more to train his son, Stephen, how to drive a big rig.
Joe loved to sing in the church choir with his solid, booming voice. He really loved singing acapella barbershop harmony. He competed many times with the chorus in Las Vegas, which he joined as an airman in the early 70s, then rejoined with his son, Richard, in the late 80s. As his career would allow he would join the chorus and form quartets to sing as much as he could.
Joe was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1990 shortly after moving to Pahrump. He was then sealed to his wife and children on December 27, 1991 for time and all eternity. This marriage covenant and commitment to an eternal family is what carried Joe through the many challenges and struggles that are common in life. Through his faith in Jesus Christ he hopes to be united with his entire family forever.
Joe was known for his cheerful smiles, quick wit, energetic attitude, and especially his big, warm, bear hugs. He was a loving man that was eager to help anyone in need. He was a volunteer firefighter and EMT, and he coached Little League baseball. He especially needed and enjoyed the spiritual food and fulfillment he would get through active participation in church.
Joe loved his country and was loyal to the Constitution and cause of Liberty and Freedom for all. He was no respecter of persons and treated all people with dignity and respect no matter their station in life. He believed everyone should work hard and be responsible for providing for their own family, and when in need, he was eager to help those who fell on hard times.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 5461 Manse Road, Pahrump, NV. Viewing is at 9am with the service beginning at 10am. Joe will be laid to rest on the veterans section of Chief Tecopa Cemetery in Pahrump, NV.
Arrangements for the funeral are being provided by Lee Funeral Home.