Charles Payton Caudill

Charles Payton Caudill, age 20, died Saturday, November 2, 2019 in a car accident. Calling hours will be held Sunday, Nov. 10th from 12-6:00 p.m. at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 4661 Kenny Road. A graveside service will be held Monday, November 11th at 1:30 pm at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4600 East Broad Street. Payton was born on August 5th, 1999 at St. Ann’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio to Melinda Hamrick and Brian Caudill. Although born 4 ½ weeks premature, he exceeded almost every developmental benchmark as he grew - and was twice the size of any other kid his age. As a child, Payton was incredibly intelligent, had a very strong sense of self, along with a perfect blend of wit, humor and sarcasm. He had a thirst for knowledge and learning and the persistence to always find the right answer. He enjoyed fishing, playing board games & cards, and the never-ending attempt to beat his Grandpa Hamrick at a game of chess. As Payton grew older, he became wise, well beyond his years, soaking up every piece of knowledge from anyone he could. He enjoyed conversations of substance; always gravitating towards people older than himself. He was able to make special connections with the people he conversed with, lending more focus especially to ones of importance and impact. He enjoyed discussions with his Grandpa Hamrick about politics, investing, and finances - and then would continue those at work with his co-worker TD VanCamp. There were the conversations with Mom - the voice of reason - about budgeting & taxes, adulting, laundry, and the never-ending pursuit of what Kroger aisle he could find something in. And of course, for the less mom-appropriate conversation topics, his step-dad Chris & Uncle Ryan were always there to provide guidance and solid footing. Because each and every one of these people had an important place in his life, he valued their input, opinions and views. Above all, he respected what they had to say, as he knew it was done so with his best interest at heart. He was quick-witted and outspoken, and never missed an opportunity to provide his two cents worth. And while he had no problem telling someone if he didn’t think they were right, he always respected the other person’s opinion and their right to have it. He valued his mother’s opinion above all others when it came to important life decisions, and being the independent and strong-willed type, also wanted to ensure he would be the only one accountable for his actions. Payton was a warm and caring gentle giant — a gentleman first, a friend to everyone, and had loyalty to others that could never be surpassed. He was a good listener, was willing to do anything for anyone - no matter how big or small - and always approached situations with a sound mind, open objectiveness and reason. Known as “Chuck” to his friends, he was the kind of guy you wanted by your side and in your corner. He graduated from St. Charles Preparatory School in 2017. He never failed to bring humor - and yes, even a bit of sarcasm - to the classroom or the football team which he co-captained his senior year. He enjoyed all sports, but football and rugby were what he loved most. He enjoyed the camaraderie with his teammates, but above all else, he valued the St. Charles brotherhood. Chuck believed deeply in being “my brother’s keeper,” and took it to heart in how he lived. He often thanked his mother for providing him the opportunity to attend St. Charles, as he recognized early on the doors it would open and network of alumni and current students that would provide a foundation for his success. After graduating from St. Charles, Chuck started working at Ace Hardware, and then at Zoup near Easton. After that, he decided to broaden his horizons — he got his very own apartment, bought a car with his own money and joined the International Laborer’s Union - Local 423. He began working at Complete General Construction Company in May 2018; a heavy highway contractor whose work includes bridges, sewer, concrete, paving and electrical work. There he quickly developed new friendships with his co-workers, and even though he towered over most of them in size, the guys all took him under their wing like a little brother; showing him the ropes and teaching him what they know. Chuck had also finished his first semester at Columbus State towards attaining a Construction Management degree. Payton was extremely devoted to his family. He valued all the close relationships he had — with his step-dad and dad — who both had an indelible impact on the young man he was becoming. He was protective of his sisters in every way a brother should be, and because of that, they knew they could rely on him whenever and for whatever was needed. He always made time to help his youngest sister with her homework whenever she needed it; he was ready to play video games and board games with her because he knew how much she enjoyed spending time with her brother. He always made time to have dinner on Tuesday nights at his MawMaw’s house, as well as make trips to see his Grandpa & Grandma Hamrick. Whether it was just an after work visit, popping in on a Saturday morning or a less spur of the moment planned visit for him and Maddie to have an evening of euchre playing — he loved doing it all. He never turned his mother down when asked for a hug, a kiss or any other form of affection that he knew she needed (and wanted) to give to her baby. He was also taught at an early age, that as one grows older, the exchange of affection becomes less for him and more for Mom; a part of their baby boy they can’t let go. He never stopped learning, lending a helping hand or caring for others before himself. He was going to do great things here on earth — but his greatness will now have the ability to touch everyone. He is preceded in death by his great-uncle James Hamrick, great-aunt Linda McCoskey, and his great-grandmother Edna Blackburn. He is survived by his parents, Melinda and Chris Jones of Granville, and Brian Caudill of Columbus, his sisters Kirstin Thompson (Jones), Courtney Jones and Elizabeth Jones, his grandparents Charles (Roger) and Janis Hamrick, Eloise Hayden and Clyde and Betty Endicott. He had numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and a nephew who loved him very much. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him, but we’ll live on cherishing every memory we have in our mind while holding them close to our heart. He will always be loved and never forgotten.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles Payton Caudill, please visit our floral store.