MICHAEL IRA PAYTON

Baldwin — Funeral services for Michael Ira Payton, 49, of Baldwin will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2013, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Baldwin with Father Gregory Cormier officiating.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, October 25 at the church. A rosary will be led by Deacon Scott Peyton at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to Mass at 11 a.m.
Burial will be in the  Franklin Cemetery under the direction of David Funeral Home.
Michael was born February 14, 1964. His mother always referred to him as her “Special Valentine”. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his family, Wednesday morning, October 23.
Michael earned his bachelor’s degree in vocational agricultural education from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette. He also held a master’s degree and Plus 30 in educational administration and supervision. Michael was a vocational ag teacher at Centerville High School, and assistant principal at B. Edward Boudreaux in Baldwin, and principal at Baldwin Elementary. He lived for his students. His robust laugh was contagious and could be heard up and down the halls of Foster Elementary, where he is presently the principal.
Michael was a member of the La. Association of Principals and the St. Mary Parish Principal’s Association. He also served as a school board member at Hanson Memorial.
Michael loved coaching Little League baseball, cooking for family and friends and fishing at Toledo Bend
Survivors include his wife, Lisa Allain Payton; parents, Edward and Sandra Payton of Baldwin; in-laws Jeff and Darlyne Allain of Sulphur; one sister, Kathryn Jackson and husband, Gilbert, of Moss Bluff; one brother Edward Payton III and wife, Keeri, of Baldwin; three boys, Drew Allain of Sulphur, Bernard Daniels and Michael Payton of Franklin; and many nieces and nephews who fondly called him “Poppie”. Michael also leaves behind a beloved and faith filled faculty, staff and students of W.P. Foster Elementary.
Pallbearers are Eddie Payton, Gilbert Jackson, Gary Brewer, Bernard Daniels, Drew Allain, Stephen Payton, Kevin Soileau and Dave Roy.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Catholic Daughters Organization of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church at P.O. Box 461, Baldwin, La. 70514.
You can sign the guest register book and/or condolences at:
www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Jeanerette, 400 Provost Street (337) 276-5151 is in charge of arrangements.