Frank Davis Payton

Frank Davis Payton,51, was born on September 11, 1970 to Katie Martin (Kenny Martin Sr.) and David Thomas II(Bernetta Thomas). In Louisville Ky, and grew up in Jeffersonville Indiana. And was called home to be with The Lord on January 12, 2022.
He is proceeded in death by:
His Son Angel Payton, Grandparents Dorothy & Frank Holbrook, Celester Boyd, Dave Thomas Sr., Martha Klingsmith, Mary Cranmer & his Nanny Gibson. Other family members that he cherished with all his heart, His Great Aunt Wilma Porter, Sister Danielle Whitehead, & His cousins Shalonda Wallace & Jay.

Frank was a Jack of all trades, and could accomplish anything that needed fixed, or restored. Growing up, he loved taking apart things and putting them back together, sometimes even new and improved, when they weren’t even broke and how he acquired his nickname “BOP”, as he would always be in his grandfathers tools working on things. As an adult, he always reminisced of his childhood and his bicycles. He would talk about all the bikes he had and all the things he would do to the bikes to make them go faster, and gain control of riding wheelies all the way down the street. He took pride in teaching himself how to take bicycles and turn them in to his own prize possessions.
Growing up he enjoyed learning how to fix cars with his dad who taught him everything he knew..to which he cherished all of the knowledge that his dad passed down to him, right at his side.

As an adult he was a car detailer, and later to become a tow truck driver. He treasured his relationship with Butch Trinkle, and referred to him as his “2nd Daddy” as Butch took him under his wing and taught him the business at hand. The RIVER CITY family owned business took Frank in as their own. After working there for many years, He also enjoyed working for Joey Bennett, and was very proud to call him his friend as well. A few years later and some vision problems, we made a family decision to keep Frank safe and off the roads and to stay home and help with our own Family Daycare Business. Working in the Daycare, he became so much to each of the children and families. He was ears to listen to them, and also a father figure to help be a positive role model. He was the snack provider, when they already had a snack, & a personal candy & Bubble Gum machine as he would sneak them things. They absolutely loved him because of his soft heart & jokes. And of course the parents appreciated having a personal mechanic Any time, day or night, as he would venture out to give jumps, pop a lock, or plug a tire. He had to be the most honest mechanic anyone knew, because he would tell you exactly what you needed, so he wouldn’t have to fix it again and was very efficient.

Frank decided years ago to have his own relationship with God, and decided to be Baptized in The Name of Jesus, and did so at Calvary Apostolic Church in Jeffersonville Indiana. He called his sister Barbara an hour before he made his final decision and encouraged her to do the same. So they were both Baptized in Jesus Name together. It is well with his soul.

Left to cherish his life on earth are His wife, Dana R. Payton, of 25 Years. Her daughter Ashley Nicole Faith Johnson, he raised as his own, (Son in Law-Chauncey Johnson)
Daughter, Shyann Le’Nae Cecile Payton, & Son, Frank “Jaden” Davis Payton.
Siblings are
Dawnita Claycomb, Dorothy “Barbara”Payton, David Calvin Thomas III., Damita Payton Smith, David Ray Colbath, Dominick Tudor, Felecia Tudor, Raven Roberson, Davonna Denise Faith Thomas, Kenny Martin Jr, Starling Martin, Charles “Chas” Martin, Emanuel Martin, Ladrell Whitehead, Dana LaRue, and Crystal Jones; grandsons, Jayveon Cranmer, Ricky Johnson, Ricco Johnson; uncles and aunts, Mary Ann Holbrook, Marney Holbrook, Sharon Brown, Wayne Thomas, Yvonne McAfee, Marla Ewing, Bernard Boyd, Dale Boyd, Drew Martin, Rochelle Martin; along  with many nieces and nephews, God sons, Taj Oliver, Keishawn Petty Jr. Prynce Lajewell Chandler, & God Daughter August Sophia Gonzalaz. 

There will be a visitation held on Wednesday, January 19, 20222 from 10-12:30pm with service to follow at Mt. Zion Apostolic Church at 3854 Wayne Street, New Albany, Indiana 47150. Burial will follow at Walnut Ridge Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation on our website to help with funeral expenses and help to accommodate his children.

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