Bernard E. Payton, 74, of Sullivan, passed away at 5:50 p.m. on Friday, June 3, 2005 at Shakamak Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Jasonville.

Born Oct. 6, 1931 in Jasonville, he was the son of Ralph and Ethel (Steele) Payton.

He was a Navy/Air Force Veteran of the Korean War, a member of the VFW and the American Legion in Phoenix, Ariz.

Survivors include: his wife Betty Forester Payton; three sons, Roger Payton and his wife Colleen of Fairbanks, Doug Keeling of Whittier, Calif., and Kevin Payton of Sullivan; a daughter Melissa Payton Ward of Asheboro N.C.; and six grandchildren.

Memorial service will be conducted at 5 p.m. on Tuesday at Newkirk's Funeral Home in Dugger with the Rev. John Booker officiating.