Frank Edwin Payton

One of God’s faithful servants has entered his eternal home and is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior. Surrounded by family, Colonel Frank E. Payton was Promoted to Glory, Tuesday, January 31, 2023.

He was born June 26, 1933 to then Captains Edwin and Elsie Payton in Jamestown, NY. Frank and his family moved to Ithaca the first time when he was 4 months old. During that time, his parents were able to buy a plot of land in the Danby area. This became their vacation home. Over the years, Frank’s parents, siblings, and cousins, all built houses in the area to use for family vacations.

Frank gave his life to Christ and committed to a life of service as a Salvation Army officer. Frank entered Salvation Army Officer’s Training in 1952-53. After marrying Yvonne Guldenschuh on June 21, 1958, they left for missionary service almost immediately to Buenos Aires, Argentina. There they learned Spanish and fell in love with the Latino/Hispanic culture.

Before his marriage, he had appointments in various cities in Pennsylvania. After their marriage, Frank and Yvonne served a total of 9 years in Argentina, 9 years in Puerto Rico, 7 years in New York and New Jersey, 11 years in Mexico and 4 years in Jamaica.

Frank and Yvonne retired in 1998, it was at that time that they settled permanently in Ithaca to enjoy quiet country life for retirement.

In retirement, Frank and Yvonne continued their ministry in various ways. Together with his siblings, Frank wrote biographies of their parents and grandparents. With Yvonne, he wrote their own biography and a history book on the Salvation Army hispanic ministry within the USA. Their passion for teaching led them to mentor Salvation Army officers as well as many Cornell and Ithaca College students who attended the Salvation Army over the years.

We ask God to comfort his dear wife of 64+ years, Colonel Yvonne Payton, his children, Major Linda Payton, Mark (Juli) Payton, Debi Payton Oldendorf, Karen (Scott) Hurula, Viki Payton, six grandchildren, siblings, family and friends as they mourn.

Col. Frank Payton’s Celebration of Life will be held in Ithaca on Sunday, April 16 at 3:30 pm at the Danby Church on 96B. Please use this RSVP form:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/C5BVQZW Burial will be held at South Hill Cemetery on Monday, April 17th at 9:00am.

Online condolences may be made to Frank’s family at www.bangsfuneralhome.com.