Waterloo, Iowa, Mourns Former West High School Football Coach and Longtime Teacher Andrew “Andy” Payton, 39, Survived by Wife Abbie and Family
November 5, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on November 5, 2026
Andrew ‘Andy’ Payton, a Waterloo, Iowa native and longtime high school coach and teacher, passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2026, at an untimely age of 39.
Andrew Payton passed away just five days shy of his 40th birthday; however, the family hasn’t yet disclosed the details regarding his untimely death.
Born on November 7, 1985, Andy began his athletic career from a very young age, excelling in multiple sports.
He played football for the West High School’s men’s football team in Waterloo, Iowa, as an offensive and defensive lineman from 2000 to 2003.
While at high school, Payton led his team to 2nd Team All-State honors in 2002 and 1st Team All-State honors in 2003 as an offensive linebacker.
Andrew Payton further continued his sports career playing football for the University of Iowa men’s football team as an offensive linebacker from 2004 to 2006.
Although Andrew ‘Andy’ Payton didn’t pursue his sports career professionally, he continued to positively impact the Iowa community as an amazing coach and teacher, guiding thousands of students and young athletes.
Andrew ‘Andy’ Payton Began His Coaching Career At Waterloo West High School
The late began his coaching journey at his alma mater, Waterloo West High School, as an assistant varsity football coach for the boys’ football team, the Wahawks, in 2009.
During his seven-year tenure as an offensive coordinator at West High School, Andy led his team to several victories, including the 2016 district championship.
In 2016, Payton was named Class 4A District 5 Coaching Staff of the Year.
He further continued his coaching career at Ankeny Centennial High School, joining the football team as an assistant coach in 2017 and serving in that position until 2026.
In addition to his coaching career, Andrew Payton was thriving in his teaching career.
He began his teaching career at Waterloo Community School District in 2012 as a Special Education Teacher and later continued his teaching journey at Ankeny Centennial High School.
From 2026 until his recent passing, Andrew served as an Instructional Strategist II, BD/LD, and Department Chair of the Special Education Department at Waterloo West High School.
Andrew Payton’s contribution to the Waterloo community as a great coach and teacher will always be remembered.
Many of his loved ones are paying tribute to the late Andrew ‘Andy’ Payton and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Andy Payton is survived by his longtime wife, Abbie Payton; siblings; cousins; nieces; nephews; and the entire family.
Andy Payton and his wife, Abbie, were college sweethearts who both graduated from the University of Iowa in 2008. The couple tied the knot in June 2013 and were happily married for 10 years.
While Abbie Payton hasn’t shared any statement regarding the untimely death of her longtime husband, Andrew ‘Andy’ Payton, she often shares his pictures on social media, expressing her love and pride.
The family a memorial service to honor Andy Payton on Friday, November 14, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Parrott and Wood Chapel of Memories, 965 Home Plaza, Waterloo.
Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2026, at 11 am in the West High School Auditorium, 425 E. Ridgewy Ave, Waterloo.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Late Andrew Payton earned his BEd in Special Education and Teaching from Upper Iowa University in 2012.
- His wife, Abbie Payton, has been serving as the executive director, Digital Sales at Sinclair Inc.Prior to that, she served as senior director of Digital sales and regional digital sales manager at Sinclair.
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Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.
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