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Services to remember and celebrate the life of Payton Wayne Stanley will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Church on the Lake in Ketchum, OK
Payton Wayne Stanley, beloved child of God, was born on October 8, 2014, in Owasso, Oklahoma to his incredible parents, Robert and Stephanie Stanley of Vinita, Oklahoma. Early in Payton’s life, doctors discovered that Payton had suffered a stroke in utero, and due to this, his life was filled with more hardships than even seems fair. While his life was filled with difficulty, including drug resistant epilepsy and subsequent disability, this is not what defined Payton’s life. Anyone who witnessed Payton’s smile for even one minute could see that he was filled with indescribable joy, one that could only be explained by the fact that, just as we know from Jesus in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”
Payton loved the same things that all kids love, being snuggled with his momma, reading books, looking at Christmas lights, being outside, and going on trips with his family.
Robert and Stephanie never allowed Payton’s medical complexities to define his existence or limit their love for him. They took every opportunity possible to show him the world. They made trips to the beach, letting Payton feel the sand on his toes and the wind on his face. They cherished Christmastime, taking Payton to drive through light displays in their wheelchair adapted van to look at the Christmas lights. He was an affectionate, loving child. Stephanie and Robert remember all the times they would lean in for a kiss and he would gently kiss their faces. Payton’s love, like the best kinds of love, didn’t need words.
Not only did Robert and Stephanie show the world to Payton, they showed Payton to the world. Rather than allowing Payton’s disabilities and struggles to force her into hiding, Stephanie used social media to highlight the struggles, realities, and joys of parenting a medically complex child. Her vulnerability in sharing Payton’s story not only allowed others to see that disability should be normalized and celebrated but gave others hope for their own children in similar situations.
Payton passed away peacefully in his parents’ arms on January 13, 2025, after fighting the good fight and running his race. He was surrounded by those who loved him most. He is survived by his loving parents Robert and Stephanie Stanley, his nana and papa Frank and Virginia Shofler, along with many other aunts, uncles, cousins and loved ones. And Robert and Stephanie know he was welcomed into the arms of Jesus with the loudest, most beautiful homecoming parade heaven has ever seen.
Payton’s light will continue to shine through all those who knew him. His courage was supernatural, and his joy was contagious. There is no reason for the suffering he endured, and yet he inspired everyone who met him, in person or not, to treat others with kindness and love.
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