Billy V. Payne

Family Submitted: GRANT PARK - Billy "Red" Vern Payne, 91, of Grant Park, passed away November 16, 2024, at his home.He was born September 10, 1933, in rural Marceline, MO, the son of James Everett and Anna Verle (McGown) Payne. Billy married Donna Fay Linebaugh on June 12, 1957, in Salisbury, MO. She survives. Billy grew up on a farm and continued helping on farms in the local area throughout his lifetime. In 1952 he joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a Navy Seaman on the USS General W Mitchell; a Navy transport ship, during the Korean War. Billy received the National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. After being honorably discharged, he and Donna began their life together. They first moved to Indiana, where Billy worked for Youngstown Steel Mill. Then moved on to Illinois, where Billy became an automotive worker for Ford Motor Company in Chicago Heights. Here he retired after serving in the automotive industry for 32 years. Billy was an avid fisherman. He loved taking out his boat on the Kankakee and Missouri Rivers, the Little Chariton, and Thomas Hill Lake; plus, other favorite fishing holes. He always enjoyed playing cards with his best friends, even when he did not take the pot. Billy made sure he had a spot to bird watch in his backyard too. He was never without something funny to say either, to his friends and to his family. Billy loved to tease us all, along with that grin of his and his quick wit. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Eva Elizabeth (Junior) Anderson, Dale Payne, Bobby Payne, Peggy (Raymond, James) Bandel McElhenie, Richard "Pete" Dickerson, Judy Payne; and a daughter Renee Fay Payne.Surviving is his wife of 67 years, Donna Payne; 3 children: daughter Tena (Robert) Gomolski, daughter Lori Oertle, son Brian Payne; 6 grandchildren: Kyle Gomolski, Brandi (Steven) Vent, Jaimie Oertle, Robert Oertle, Andrew Oertle, Sydney Clarke (Ke'Sean Allen); 11 great-grandchildren; siblings: Ronald Payne, Sharon Dickerson, and sisters-in-law Leona Payne; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Billy was our husband, dad, grandpa, papa, brother, uncle, cousin and friend... we will love him forever and miss him always.Cremation rites have been accorded. Please make donations to the family in lieu of flowers.

Billy V. Payne

September 10, 1933 - November 16, 2024

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