Thirl R. Payton

Thirl R. Payton, 86, of Troy died Sunday, March 30, 2008 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center from natural causes. He was born May 28, 1921 in West Virginia to Albert and Polly Spence White.

He grew up and attended school in West Virginia. He later moved to Oregon. He entered the U.S. Army and served during World War II. His job was to go ahead of the troops and build bridges. He was awarded the Army Occupation Medal (Germany), American Theater Ribbon European, African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, and the World War II Victory Ribbon.

He moved to Libby in the 1960s and began working in the woods as a logger. He later moved to Noxon where he lived for 20 years and then to Troy in 1995. He enjoyed anything to do with the outdoors hunting, fishing, mushroom picking, and huckleberry picking. He loved his dog and would often take him hunting with him.

Survivors include his wife Mary Jo Payton of Troy, daughter Sandi Sullivan and her husband Scott of Troy, and grandchildren Sarah Kacy Sullivan and Sean Jacob Sullivan, both of Troy.

Graveside services were at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2008 at the City of Libby Cemetery in Libby. Local arrangements are by the Nelson & Vial Funeral Home in Libby.