Andrew "Andy" Payton

If you knew Andy Payton, you knew a stoic, loyal presence with a big heart. You knew a man who could influence a locker room and classroom with his size, calm voice, and bigger heart. Andy married the love of his life, Abbie Vandenakker, on June 22, 2013, in Waterloo. Together, they built a life filled with laughter and little dogs, Lola and Ruby, who rarely left his side.

Andy began his career serving others, first at the North Iowa Juvenile Detention Center and then as Campus Security at West High School, where his natural ability to connect with students led him to coaching the Wahawk football team. Coaching was never just a job for Andy, it was who he was. He had the gift of seeing potential in others before they saw it in themselves.

While balancing his coaching duties, Andy earned his teaching degree in History from Upper Iowa University. He taught Special Education at West High School before heading to Ankeny Centennial to continue inspiring students and athletes. His journey later took him to New York, where he taught at Manhattan High School, before ultimately returning home to West High to teach Special Education and serve as Co-Chair of the department.

Outside of school, Andy loved working out, laughing over dinner with his in-laws at Chilito’s, and finding the most over-the-top Christmas gifts that would have everyone rolling their eyes. He showed up for his family, especially his nieces and nephews, never missing a game, concert, or big moment.

Andy passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the age of 39. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and leadership that will never fade. He was preceded in death by his mom, Mary, and is survived by his wife, Abbie of Waterloo; his father, Richard Payton of LaPorte City; his brothers, Joshua (Alecia) Payton of Waterloo and Kyle (Laura) Payton of Nashville, Tennessee; and his beloved nieces and nephews, Makenna, Savanah, Izzie, Macie, Rylan, Jaymeson, and Acelyn, who will forever know that “Uncle Andy” was one of one.

To know Andy was to know loyalty, passion, and humility, the kind of person who made you feel seen, valued, and loved. His impact will live on through every student he taught, every athlete he coached, and every person lucky enough to call him family or friend.

The family requests in the place of flowers memorials can be made to Andrew "Andy" Payton Memorial Fund through Veridian Credit Union.

Memorial Visitation: Friday, November 14, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Parrott & Wood Chapel of Memories, 965 Home Plaza.

Celebration of Life: Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:00 am in the West High School Auditorium, 425 E. Ridgeway Ave, Waterloo. Please use Entrance 27.