Ozarks siblings known for work ethic, dedication

WEBB CITY, Mo. -- Seven siblings employed by the Webb City R-7 School District in southwest Missouri say they are lucky to be able to work together.

Toby Bottom, Webb City associate superintendent, says it is the school system that is fortunate to have them. Six brothers and one sister from the Payton family in Carl Junction have worked in Webb City schools for a combined 155 years.

"Honesty, loyalty, hard working -- they have all the admirable attributes," Bottom said. "I can't imagine Webb City schools without them.

"You could go to any school in Webb City and mention their name and it will bring a smile to someone's face and a story. Everybody knows them and everybody loves them."

The lighthearted and good-natured clan puts in long hours in five schools and the district's bus barn.

Donald Payton, 51, works at the high school and has been employed by the district since 1976. Dwight Payton, 48, works at Webster Primary Center and has been employed by the district since 1979. Everett Payton, 45, works at the junior high and has been with the district since 1979. James Payton, 46, works at the high school and has been employed by the district since 1979. Jeremy Payton, 49, works at the bus barn and has been employed by the district since 1982. Junior Payton, 40, works at Harry S. Truman Elementary School and has been with the district since 1983. Wilma Paxton, 38, works at Madge T. James Kindergarten and has been employed by the district since 1995.

All graduated from Webb City High School and many of them started working for the schools immediately after graduating.

The Paytons are from a family of 13 children. Two of their siblings died at birth, nine boys and two girls survived.

The Paytons are starting to see the children of students they encountered come to school.

"I was helping a kid cross the street the other day and the mother said, 'You were helping me cross the road when I went to school here years ago,"' said Dwight Payton, who serves as a crossing guard at Webster.

Paxton said that being around children is the best part of her job.

"They watch us and I think they learn to respect the schools and the buildings," she said.

Amanda Green, Madge T. James principal, has worked with Paxton for six years and said Paxton will sit and read with students who need extra attention, Green said.

The Paytons "are a very good example for the children," Green said. Not only their work ethic, Green added, but also the way Paxton treats the children. "She is a very kind person."

Junior Payton joked that cleaning up after the students isn't always fun.

Superintendent Ron Lankford recently complimented Jeremy Payton, saying Jeremy could take a bus apart and put it back together again.

"But, I don't know if I would want to ride it though," joked Everett Payton.

Bottom says that the Paytons come in nights and weekends to prepare the buildings for students.

"If everybody had the work ethic of the Paytons this would be a better world," Bottom said.

The siblings carry their dedication beyond the schools. Several work second jobs or help out neighbors with chores. Paxton works at Crowder College Webb City Center. She and Junior Payton paint cardinals and signs for the schools and residents.