Don P. Payden

Don P. Payden, 88, longtime resident of Oregon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Kingston of Sylvania. He was born in Toledo on July 15, 1934, the son of Paul and Cleota (Bothe) Payden. After graduation from high school, he entered the U.S. Army and served proudly until his honorable discharge in 1957. On October 6, 1956, he married the love of his life, Kathryn Ann (Persons), in Akron, Ohio. Kathryn preceded him in death on August 26, 2008, after 52 years of marriage.

Don spent his working career at Libbey-Owns-Ford Company, in the glass bending department of the Rossford, Ohio plant. He retired after more than 30 years of service. Don loved history, especially Civil War history. He spent much of his time reading and studying all he could about the War Between the States. He especially enjoyed his many years as a Civil War re-enactor with his son, Mike and grandson, Michael, locally and in surrounding states. Don also enjoyed presenting programs about the war to local school children. Don and Kathy were also very active members of Faith United Methodist in Oregon. Don served as a trustee, attended Bible Study, was a member of the Dartball team and the Senior Group. Don also enjoyed listening to music from big band and classical to whatever caught his ear. Most of all, Don loved his family.

Don is survived by his son, Jeff (Susan) Payden, daughter-in-law, Lisa (John) Sekela, grandchildren, Michael (Jessica) Payden, Jr., Courtney (Kurt) Sabo, Mara (Sean) Emory, Jacob, Emily, and Paige Payden, great-grandchildren, Luke Payden, and Katie and Gavin Sabo, sisters, Jane (Orville “Bud”) Kesling, Nancy Elliott, along with a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Kathryn and son, Michael L. Payden, Sr. and brother-in-law, Cleon Elliott.

Visitation for Don will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM, Monday, November 21, 2022, at the Walker Funeral Home-Oregon Chapel, 3500 Navarre Ave., Oregon, Ohio. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, November 22, 2022, with burial and a full military graveside service, conducted by the Christ Dunberger Post, American Legion, at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Perrysburg, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Faith United Methodist Church, 3415 Starr Ave., Oregon, Ohio 43616, and condolences may be shared at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com

Don’s family offers a very heartfelt “Thank You” to the wonderful staff of Kingston Residence, Sylvania, for their loving care and compassion, which will never be forgotten.