Albert Henry Payton, 89, was born on July 20, 1929 in Roscoe, Missouri. He was born to Bertha Alice Gates and Benjamin Franklin Payton, both of whom preceded him in death. He was one of nine children. Albert was also preceded in death by his sisters, Nellie Alice Payton, Betty Lou Payton, Catherine Maude Fouquet, Lorena Patricia Coffelt, Doris Lorraine Watkins; brothers Charles Henry Purchase and Ernest Stiles.

In 1947 Albert graduated from Osceola High School. Upon completing his education he began a career in the United States Air Force as a pilot. He retired from the Air Force after 20 years of service. Following his military retirement, he moved back to the family farm in Collins, Missouri where he remained until needing assisted care in 2009. He filled his time after the military by becoming a rural mail carrier with the United States Postal Service.

Albert was a member of the Masonic Lodge, formally out of Collins, Missouri. His hobbies included flying planes, gardening, hunting, fishing and tinkering with mechanics.

Albert is survived by his sister Susan Matilda Eylar and numerous nieces and nephews.