Kermit Vaughn Payton

Kermit Vaughn Payton, aka “Kubby,” passed away June 30, 2026, at age 94. He was born May 6, 1932 to Lee and Stella (Bailey) Payton. Kermit was predeased by his beloved wife of 33 years, Anna Grace (Wood) Payton, as well as his parents, and brothers William and Virgil, sisters Helen, Lucille, and Phyllis, and several brothers-in law, and sisters-in-law. He is survived by his sister, Peggy Stephens, son, Mark, and daughter, Lisa and son-in-law Tim, in addition to his two grandchildren, Marcus Payton (Molly) and Anna Vassar (Ryan) and seven great grandchildren.

Kermit served, with great pride, in the US Air Force with the Air Force Security Police, which included two tours of duty to Vietnam, and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant after 25 years of service. Upon retirement from the military, he went on to get both a Master’s Degree and Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Arizona. He loved watching his college basketball favorites, both UA Wildcats, as well as UK Wildcats. His other great interests in life were cars, particularly muscle cars, upholstery and restoration of said cars, and his various pug dogs that he had throughout his life.

Clark Legacy Center of Frankfort KY is handling the arrangements. There will be a private gravesite service at Sunset Memorial Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations, if desired, may be made to the Air Force Security Forces Association in Kermit Payton’s name at AFSFAonline.com