George Morton Payne III

George Morton Payne III, known throughout his life as Morton, passed away on September 26, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born October 19, 1947, Morton was the son of George Morton Payne Jr. and Barbara Davis Payne. He served in the United States Coast Guard, an experience that helped begin a lifelong love of travel. He later built a career in commercial real estate and development, serving as manager of Cox Enterprises Ltd. and executive vice president of Cox Investment Company.

Morton believed that meaningful places required care. His commitment to Oklahoma City could be seen in decades of work supporting its public spaces, gardens and cultural institutions. He helped spearhead the permanent sales-tax initiative that provided the Oklahoma City Zoo with a stable future and was instrumental in the creation of the Adventure District. He served the Oklahoma City Zoological Trust and Oklahoma Zoological Society, eventually becoming a lifetime director of the Society.

His civic involvement also included leadership of the Tree Bank Foundation, the Myriad Gardens Foundation and the Nichols Hills Park Commission. His work helped fund improvements to the Myriad Botanical Gardens and placed trees throughout Oklahoma City. He received the Crystal Orchid Award from Myriad Gardens in 2005, the Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007, and in 2024, Morton was honored as an Oklahoma City Zoo Legacy Legend. In addition, in 2008, he was named King of the Beaux Arts Ball.

Morton’s curiosity extended far beyond his civic work. He was a passionate birder, fly fisherman, golfer, painter and traveler. He loved Harbor Springs, MI., Carmel, CA. and Paris, and after his first trip to France at age 50, he began studying French and spent the next 28 years planning his many returns.

At six foot six, Morton was difficult to miss. But his size was only part of his presence. He possessed an expansive curiosity and a genuine interest in other people. He made friends in restaurants, airports, on cruise ships and throughout his travels. He wanted to know their families, interests and stories. For Morton, conversation was not a social obligation, it was one of life’s great pleasures.

The center of his life was his family, including his beloved dogs, Daisy and Teddy. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Libby” Payne; his daughter, Mary Payne Moran, and her husband, James; his son, Matthew Payne, and his wife, Meg; and his grandchildren, Mark, Henry, Maisie and Georgina whom he deeply loved. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Anne Payne.

Morton leaves behind a city made greener by his work, institutions strengthened by his service and a family shaped by his curiosity, humor and determination.

A memorial service will be held Friday, October 2, at 1 p.m. at All Souls’ Episcopal Church, 6400 North Pennsylvania Avenue in Oklahoma City, with a reception to follow at the church.

The family expresses deep gratitude to Laura Lynn Hospice, Shea Weir Shipley, and the doctors and nurses at Integris Baptist Medical Center for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Nichols Hills Park Commission or the Oklahoma City Zoological Society.