Obituary of Owen Charles Payton

Owen C. Payton, age 16, of Edwardsburg passed away on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, due to an accident.

His parents, Eric and Sarah (Kring) Payton, excitedly welcomed their baby boy on June 14, 2006 in Niles, Michigan on a beautiful sunny day.

A junior at Edwardsburg High School and student at Southwestern Michigan College, Owen’s talents were vast and far reaching.   He was an outstanding student who excelled academically.  He connected well with other students and teachers.  He enjoyed playing soccer and helping his mother, Sarah, coach the youth team. His passion led him to his first job refereeing in Edwardsburg for EYSA. 

Politics were important to Owen; he kept himself informed in both international as well as local politics. He volunteered at the Ontwa Township office and attended the monthly township meetings. 

From a young age, Owen had a natural affection for the outdoors and nature. As a little guy, he would jump on his dirt bike and ride. He looked forward to time with his horse, Reba, and he was an active member of Jones Rough Riders 4-H Group as well as a member of the Edwardsburg Equestrian Team. 

He was meticulous and took great pride in appearance.  He found a love for woodworking, and his creations were very purposeful and heartfelt. Because of a teacher he admired he helped grow “Bow Tie Fridays”.  When he walked out of the house to head to school, he looked like he was ready for a GQ magazine photo shoot; hair perfectly in place, pressed clothes, stylish bow tie, and a transcendent smile.

Owen’s connection to his family was profound.  He took guitar lessons with his Grandfather. He loved camping with his family. He was also extremely close to his siblings and his best friend, James, his golden retriever. James could hardly wait until Owen would return each day.

He is preceded in death by twin sisters, Star and Rain, maternal Grandfather, Dennis Kring and paternal Great-Grandparents, Charles Payton and Ella Payton.

His loss will be felt deeply by his parents, Eric and Sarah Payton of Edwardsburg, his siblings; Austin Batalis of St. Joseph, Nola Payton, Magnolia Payton, and Jackson Payton all of Edwardsburg.  He is also survived by his paternal Grandparents, Gordon and Brenda Payton of Buchanan, maternal Grandmothers, Mary (Mark) Howie of Edwardsburg and Step-Grandmother Diane Kring, of Mishawaka, his paternal Great-Grandparents, Herbert and Margurite Neidlinger of Niles, maternal Great-Grandmother Helen Kring of South Bend, his Aunts and Uncles; Hillary (Evan) Whitney of Buchanan (Godparents), Joshua (Bettina) Payton of Niles, Matthew (Catherine McCain) Kring of Noblesville, and Chad Kring, his Great-Aunt (second Grandma) Debra Florey of Buchanan, cousins Apollo, Amelia, Spencer, Barrett, Hattie, Matthis, Quinn, and a host of friends.

Visitation to remember and celebrate Owen’s life and adventures will take place Thursday, November 10, 2022 beginning at 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home, 521 East Main Street, Niles.  His funeral service will take place Friday, November 11, 2022, 10 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home.

Those looking to make a memorial donation in honor of Owen have been asked to consider: 4-H Jones Rough Riders, 120 North Broadway Suite 209, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031.

Condolences, photos, messages can be left for Owen’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

Owen was well loved by his peers, respected by his teachers and administrators, loved by his friends, and treasured by his family.  He will be missed greatly but his legacy will live on in those that knew him.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.