William "Bill" Peyton Jr.

Bill Peyton, of Lafayette, passed away unexpectedly at Lafayette General Hospital, surrounded by family, on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at the age of 71 years old. Bill was born on January 17, 1953, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the son of the late William “Peyt” Peyton, Sr. and the late Marie “T” (nee Abadie) Peyton.He was baptized into God’s family as an infant. Born to a musically gifted family, Bill had a love of music all his life. He grew up in Lafayette and graduated from Lafayette Senior High School then went on to play trumpet in the marching band at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. He had a broad taste for music but always enjoyed 60’s and 70’s classic rock the most. Bill also had a gift for billiards, playing on 3 different teams in a pool league. He was a tinkerer who enjoyed taking things apart so he could fix them…but he didn’t always put them back together. He worked on his own vehicles keeping them maintained to a high standard and getting as much life out of them as possible. He was a loyal worker, as well, retiring after 20 years at Borden’s manufacturing plant. He valued his family and friends dearly and always wanted what was best for them. Most of all Bill enjoyed making people laugh. He will be missed by many. Bill is survived by his beloved companion of 3 decades, Margaret Champagne, adopted son, Jeremy Peyton; daughter, Courtney (Daniel) Odell; grandsons, Logan and Caleb; sister, Yvonne (Charlie) McLemore; brother, Barry (Donna) Peyton; brother, Rusty (Becky) Peyton; nieces and nephews, Chuck, Nicole, Kristen, William, Christopher and Annie and their spouses; as well as 10 great-nieces and nephews. He is further survived by many friends he considered family. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his ex-wife Claire (nee Vallot) Manuel. A Memorial Service will be held for Bill on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from 1-4PM in the chapel of Colligan Crematory and Funeral Services located at 121 Park Center in Broussard, La. A special thank you to the doctors and nurses of Lafayette General Hospital Intensive Care Unit, as well as the responding paramedics of Acadian Ambulance who worked tirelessly to resuscitate Bill.