Peyton Alexander Arens, 14, beloved son of Jim and Katie Arens, passed away, surrounded by family after a courageous 16 month battle with Rhabdomyosarcoma cancer. Peyton was born on September 16, 1999 in Tulsa.  Peyton attended Jenks schools, where he was part of the gifted program.  Peyton was an excellent student and his favorite subjects were social studies and science.  Peyton enjoyed discussing world history and politics.  Peyton loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and spending time with his dogs and rabbit. With a love for music that started at an early age, he was an incredible musician.  Over his lifetime, Peyton played the piano, trumpet, euphonium and guitar.  Peyton's greatest passion was playing the electric guitar.  He started guitar lessons at the age of ten and at the time of his death, was an accomplished musician.

Peyton always had a smile on his face and had a wonderful sense of humor.  He loved making people laugh.  His positive attitude was infectious.  Peyton had an amazing community of supporters here in Tulsa and around the world.  During Peyton's cancer battle, he never asked "why me" but "how am I going to beat this."  He fought his battle with great courage, determination and grace which inspired many.

Peyton is survived by his parents, Jim and Katie Arens of Tulsa; his sister Elle and brother Porter, his maternal grandparents, Kent and Diane VanValkenburgh of Tulsa; his paternal grandparents, Mary Helen Arens of Galveston, Texas and Jim and Ann Arens of Bayfield, Colorado. Peyton also leaves behind many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Peyton's celebration of life service will be on Friday, May 9th at 4pm at Asbury Methodist Church. Visitation will be held 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8th at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Baldrick's Foundation. www.stbaldricks.org/hero-funds/prayingforpeyton .  All donations will fund research to find a cure for childhood cancers.  Peyton's hope was that one day we will find a cure so that no other child has to fight this battle. To learn more about childhood cancer, please go to www.prayingforpeyton.com .

Peyton, we love and miss you but we know you are now in a better place with our Heavenly Father. Thank you for 14 wonderful years.