Donald Ray Peyton

Obituary, Donald Ray Peyton November 14, 1944 ~ June 23, 2008 MONMOUTH - Donald Ray Peyton passed from this world on June 23, 2008 in Monmouth OR after long and heroic battle with pancreatic cancer. Don brought joy to many through his friendship, humor, and music. He was an amazing, sensitive, and talented human being. Don enjoyed growing up in Richland and Benton City WA. While in college, Don fell in love with and married Jeanine Kay Updyke. After college, he served four years in the United States Airforce. Don and Jeanine enjoyed a loving and vibrant marriage for over 42 years, and together raised two children, Cheri and Lee. During his life, Don taught high school shop class in Tucson AZ, was a mobile home repairman and taught middle school woodworking and metal shop classes in La Grande OR, worked as a job placement counselor in Kennewick WA, and retired from behavioral research work after 11 years in Albuquerque NM. In 2003, Don and Jeanine moved to Monmouth OR to be near their children and young grandchildren, Devin and Emma. Don's love for music began in high school, and continued to be a source of immense joy for him throughout his life. He played bass, electric and acoustic guitar and had a beautiful voice. He played many years with classic/country rock bands The Touch of Class in La Grande OR, The Coffee Twins in Milton-Freewater/Hermiston OR, Joe Trout and the Flounders and also The Jack Jones Trio in Tri-Cities WA. It was pure joy for him to share his music with others; some of his best memories are 'jamming' with family and friends. He loved to make people laugh; his unique wit and sense of humor are sorely missed. Other hobbies he loved were traveling, photography, and building wonderful, creative wood and metal projects. Don loved life, people and our Creator; he was a living testimony of God's beautiful love. He shares the journey of his illness through an online journal at www.caringbridge.org/visit/donpeyton . Dad, we love you more than words can ever describe; you are our hero! in so many ways and we will see you again when we can spend eternity together. Don, I am honored to be your wife; you are my best friend and your love for me is never ending. We miss you so much. Survivors include his wife Jeanine Updyke Peyton of Monmouth, Oregon, Daughter Cheri Goodall Husband Heath of Monmouth, Oregon, son Lee Peyton wife Sandra of Oregon City, Oregon, brothers Ron Peyton wife CC of Kauai, Hawaii, David Peyton wife Fran of Cheney, Washington , Jeff Peyton wife Kerra of West Richland, Washington, 3 grandchildren Emma, Devin and Jessica Goodall. Contributions can be made to Willamette Valley Hospice 1015 3rd St. N.W. Salem, Oregon 97304-4007 or Caring Bridge 1995 Rahn Cliff Court, Suite 200 Eagan, MN 55122-3401. At Don's request no services will be held. Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Farnstrom Mortuary, Independence