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Oklahoman Larry Payton, Celebrity Attractions founder and president, died Monday in Tulsa

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“I knew Larry for many, many years and we shared some wonderful adventures together,” Wildhorn said. “He was a great spirit, a man of great faith and deeply soulful. We shared so many of the same passions. He was a great partner and a great friend, and I will miss him so much.”

Payton was the recipient of the 1997 Small Business Person of the Year Award given by the Metropolitan Tulsa Chamber of Commerce. The Broadway League awarded Payton the 2006 Outstanding Achievement in Presenter Management Award.

“Larry was an icon in the Broadway community,” said Al Nocciolino, a member of the Broadway League's board of governors. “He shared himself with all. We will miss him dearly.”

Jim Brown, general manager of the Civic Center Music Hall, called Payton “a dear friend who directly contributed to the continued success and renovation of the Civic Center. He was a major contributor to the arts and to the quality of life for all Oklahoma City citizens.”

Payton was a deacon at Tulsa's Parkview Baptist Church, where he served on the church council. He had been actively involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes since college and served on the state board of directors.

Payton is survived by his wife, brother Ed, daughter Laura, son Drew and daughter-in-law Charity.

Funeral services are pending.

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