James Payton

Ed Payton, one of the last great cowboys, went to be with the Lord on April 15, 2013. He is survived by his wife Bea Payton, daughter Colline Snell, step daughters Susan Montgomery and Cindy Paulakos and step son Mike Zahm, sister Bethel Cunningham, brother Rusty Payton, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ed was preceded in death by his daughter Margaret Ann, son Roy Edward, parents Elmer and Mamie Payton, sister Helen Arnold, brother Roy Payton and son in law Bill Snell.

Ed was born on June 3rd 1926 in Hollywood New Mexico to Elmer and Mamie Payton. Ed spent his entire childhood in the Ruidoso area. Ed entered active service in August 1944 and received an honorable discharge in August 1946. Ed was a specialty rifleman with the 128th infantry in the Pacific theater under combat conditions. Ed received the WWII Victory Medal, the Distinguished Unit Badge, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

After Ed completed his time in the military he broke horses on the Mescalero Reservation. From there he worked at Fort Stanton breaking horses and working in the dairy.

Ed worked as a fireman at Holloman Air Force base and was one of the men responsible for saving Smokey Bear.

When Fort Stanton closed Ed went into road construction before being hired from Holloman. After he retired from Holloman AFB he went back to his first love of working on a ranch. Ed worked summers as a range rider for the Copper Basin Association in Mackay, Idaho.

Memorial service was Saturday, April 20, at 11:00 AM in the Capitan Church of Christ with burial at the Hale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ruidoso Hospice Foundation.

Service