John C. Paynter

Beloved Lawton resident John C. Paynter passed away on Oct 27, 2012 after a long life full of joy and giving. Born on March 21, 1921 to Harry Alvin Paynter and Mabel Vera Moore Paynter in Cotton County, John and his younger brother, Harry, Jr., moved with their parents to the Southwest for a healthier environment for Mabel. When her health failed in 1928, the boys returned to Walters to the only mother figure they ever had, their paternal grandmother, Luretta Ellen Davis Paynter. John graduated from Walters High School, and after Pearl Harbor, joined the Navy to assist on Liberty Ship convoys across the Atlantic. After being severely wounded, he was discharged in early 1943. Not fully recovered from his wounds, he returned to Walters to care for aging 'Retta who passed away in 1959. It was then that John truly began his life of learning and sharing. After completing three college degrees, John settled in Lawton in the Library Department at Cameron University, making time to travel around the state, region, country, and the world appreciating and collecting treasures and stories. He enjoyed side trips to Walters with special visitors to see the stained glass windows at the Presbyterian Church. John was a Walters boy with an appreciation for the whole world. John was also devoted to history and collected a large library which he has donated to the Friends of the Library. He was a member and supporter of numerous organizations such as the Southwest Oklahoma Historical Society. He frequent sponsor of the Cameron Debate Team, and generous donor to church activities in Lawton and Walters, John's joy and energy were obvious until at age 85 he had to slow down and move to the Lawton/Ft Sill Veterans' Center. There he was front and center at activities and complimenting the kitchen staff at most meals. John is predeceased by his parents, Harry Paynter and Mabel Vera Moore; his grandmother, Retta Paynter; and his brother, Harry Alvin Paynter. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Betty Wilkins Paynter; two nephews, Harry Alvin Paynter, Jr. and Steven Wilkins Paynter; two nieces, Barbara Paynter Barnett and Susan Moore Paynter; seven grand-nieces and nephews, four great-grand nephews and numerous cousins. The legacy of John's generosity survives throughout the Lawton and Southwest Oklahoma regions