Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Paul Payne Obituary
After graduating from the University of Kansas, Paul attended Duke University Medical School. He spent his third year at Baylor-associated hospitals in Houston doing heart research. He returned to Duke for his senior year and graduated with highest honors in the top 10% of his class. After graduation, he returned to Baylor to complete a four-year internal medicine residency, followed by a four-year cardiology fellowship at Duke. After completing the fellowship, he stayed on at Duke to do heart research. In 1995, Paul and his family moved to Topeka, where he joined the Cotton-O'Neill medical group. In 2002, he returned to Wilmington and joined the New Hanover Regional Medical Center cardiology group.
Paul met Denise Pierret during his internal medicine residency, and they were married on October 20, 1990 in Houston. He is survived by his wife, Denise, and son, Ryan Payne; parents, Doris and Robert Payne of Topeka; brother Kendall Payne and his wife, Lisa of Coffeyville; sister Ellen (Payne) Jensen and her husband, Jeff of Lawrence; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Paul was always the life of the party. He added that spark that made everything more fun. He loved music, especially the blues, and reading all kinds of books. He was a good athlete, participating in cross country, basketball and track during high school. Despite living in North Carolina, he remained a loyal KU Jayhawk and was an avid Jayhawk basketball fan. He was a lover of animals - dogs and cats in particular - but he also loved people. He was a devoted father and husband, nurturing and caring, and he was always the first to help others. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.
A celebration of life is scheduled for 11am on May 18 at the First Congregational Church in Topeka. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 5375 SW 7th St., Topeka, KS 66606.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Paul Payne
Sponsored by CJOnline.com.
Jim Weyrens
July 25, 2021
My sympathy to Paul's family. I worked with Paul while he was living in Topeka. I always smile when I think of him. He was so smart! He was also caring and very easy to work with. He was just a great guy.
Linda Gurganus
April 29, 2021
Two years later, Ken and remain thankful for Dr. Payne saving my husband's life. Many in the Wilmington area owe their lives to him. Wishing his family good memories.
Linda Gurganus
April 29, 2020
One year later, remembering Dr. Payne with thankfulness for his positive impact on our lives. Also thankful for the opportunity to get to know Ryan since then. Wishing you good memories and a good life.
July 25, 2019
Sorry to hear about Paul, he was so even-keeled compared to so many of us in our youth - My condolences to Dr. and Mrs. Payne, Kendall, Ellen, and families.
Ken and Linda Gurganus
June 6, 2019
Paul made a difference in our lives as my husband's cardiologist. We appreciated his kindness and concern as he steered Ken towards valve replacement. We learned of Paul's death shortly after Ken's surgery, and it hit hard. We miss him.
Annette Robinson
May 23, 2019
So sorry to learn of his passing. He was a wonderful doctor.
Paula Vernon Glackin
May 20, 2019
Dear Dr. and Mrs. Payne, Kendall, Ellen, and family,
I am so sad to hear of Paul's passing. I have nice memories of playing in the backyard when we were little. Although I lost touch with him as we grew up, I'm not surprised to hear that he made so much of his life. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May you find healing and peace.
Paula Vernon Glackin
Paula Glackin
May 20, 2019
Dear Dr. and Mrs. Payne, Kendall, Ellen, and family,
I'm so sad to hear of Paul's passing. I have nice memories of playing in the backyard when we were little. Though I lost touch with him as we grew up, I'm not surprised to find out that he made so much of his life. You are all in my thoughts and prayers; may you find healing and peace.
Paula Vernon Glackin
Barbara Hardy
May 18, 2019
Paul was a great person and neighbor for 17 years. He deeply loved and cared for his dear family. We miss seeing him walk his two dogs after work each day and our daily chats. We send our deepest condolences to his dear family and please know that we are here for you. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with his dear family.
We send our Love and Blessings,
Barbara and Jim Hardy
Mary Eggers
May 18, 2019
RIP to a gentle, caring, kind and very special Doctor. He was my husbands cardiologist and he gave him the very best care. Always a smile and kind words that will be greatly missed. Sending our sympathy to his family, he was loved and will be missed.
Bill & Mary Eggers
Ethel Stanley
May 14, 2019
So sad to hear this .my dr. For many years. Always kind , soft spoken and concerned. My condolences to his family.
Earl Williams
May 14, 2019
My memories of Paul are ALL so positive. It was a privilege to have been even a minor part of Paul's full life. I don't know the circumstances of his passing. I don't need to know. Obviously he will be missed by family and friends. It was a privilege to be involved in his life as an ASSISTANT coach and to be acquainted with his sister and brother and highly respected parents who could do AND did the best for their children.
Obviously, Paul was a blessing to his Immediate family, parents, siblings and the rest of us who were fortunate enough to be in his presence. Yes, Schragger, IRONMAN(DrJohnson), and Big E(Earl) will always remember Paul's smile, humor, good nature and the way he and D Thurston taught us about the correct way to pull in tug-of-war at cc camp. May Paul(Dr.PAYNE) RIP.
EARL
May 14, 2019
My husband and I were both his patients and loved him dearly. He was such a kind and warm physician and he guided me gently through the surgery I needed, encouraging me all the way. The support and caring I felt from this man cannot be replaced - and i am sure it is the same for his family. We lost him way too soon. Anne Kendrick Lanier
Scott Zinkham
May 12, 2019
My deepest sorrow to Dr Paul Payne's family for his recent passing. Paul was my cardiologist who initially discovered several arterial blockages in 2012 and after a 5 way bypass surgery has followed up annually with me since then. Paul was incredible in his compassion and concern for his patients. Paul gave confidence to his patience in the healing process. He always had an upbeat and positive attitude. I know that heaven just received a new angel.
May 9, 2019
Family of Dr. Payne, Please accept our heartfelt condolence on the passing of Dr. Payne. He was my Father-in-law's cardiologist and then my handyman's father's cardiologist and did his pig valve replacement surgery, and then he was my handyman's cardiologist, too! What an amazing man he was....to take care of everyone the way he did. God got himself another angel in heaven. Until we meet xoxoxoxo
Paul Cochran
May 9, 2019
Shocking, too soon, so young. Paul and I ran cross country and track together at West, ate a million calories in the school cafeteria, and sat in "math exile" with Mark and Tim for two years in the hallway, sprinting through math textbooks. I'll always remember those summer races that Coach Schrag cooked up to keep us fit during the summer months (relay races up Burnett's Mound anyone?). I am glad to see he lived such a full life, but I am truly not surprised. What a guy.
Janell Boyd
May 9, 2019
Dr. Paul Payne was a doctor who my husband and I trusted completely. Not only was he a brilliant and caring doctor, but a kind person with a wonderful sense of humor.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family.
Sincerely, Janell and Jim Boyd
Lynne Rutherford
May 7, 2019
Godspeed..may you rest in gentle peace. It was a privledge to know you professionally. Your care and demeanor with patients was exemplary as well as your staff. Will always remember your enthusiasm during NCAA basketball tourney time with your unwavering support for KU. A pleasure sir..my heartfelt condolences to family.
Debbie White
May 7, 2019
Dr. Paul Payne has been my cardiologist since 2005... he was a godsend during a very difficult and scary time. I know my loss pales in comparison with his loved ones and I can't imagine being without his care. Dr. Payne was so kind and reassuring and knowledgeable. My hubby and I were so fond of him. My condolences to his family. He was truly a great doctor and person.
Yolanda Coates
May 7, 2019
Dr. Payne was such a great, humble, caring person; just an all around good guy. I worked with him for 10 years and it was a pleasure. I'll always remember his grin and caring demeanor. He will truly be missed.
Ken Haedrich
May 7, 2019
Dr. Payne had been my cariologist for the last few years, since my heart attack. I appreciated his professionalism following my heart attack, but it was his warmth, smile, and attentiveness during my visits with him that I will remember. My heart goes out to his family and those closest to him.
david shimp
May 7, 2019
So, Sad that Paul has left us. I moved to Topeka in 5th grade, 1972. Paul was one of my best friends in those earlier years. Paul gravitated toward track and basketball; I toward football and wrestling. So, we kinda went our different ways; but, I never forgot him and always consider him a friend I am glad to hear he lived a good and vibrant life. One story only I remember- When the McDonalds opened at Huntoon and Gage during our 6th grade, Paul and I were so excited to eat there. We got our permission slips to leave school grounds for lunch and sprinted to McDonalds to whoof down a couple hamburgers. I remember him having those long legs and needless to say he ran faster than I. I don't think eating those hamburgers so fast did our bellies any good either. Paul was a good kid and a good Man. He will be greatly missed.
Bill and Linda Warden
May 7, 2019
Dr. Payne gave my husband quality health care for 13 years. It was always a peaceful, pleasant visit to his office for care. We send our condolences to Dr. Payne's family and want you to know how much we appreciated him. He will be missed.
Elaine
May 7, 2019
I am so sorry for your lose. I just wanted to leave a Thank you message to Dr. Payne for saving my life and helping me get better. He was so kind and attentive.
Craig Finden
May 6, 2019
Paul was a great next door neighbor, we and played on a daily basis as kids. He was a true friend, and helped my father with his open heart surgery. My family had the deepest love and appreciation for Paul and the entire Payne family.
Tim Moore
May 6, 2019
Paul was a great guy and neighbor. Did not know you well but you will be missed sir.
Joyce Teachey
May 6, 2019
DR. Payne always had a warm and caring attitude. It was my blessing to have him take care of heart....I will see you again Paul.
Jim Liggett
May 6, 2019
I'm profoundly sad to learn of Paul's passing. He and I were pledge brothers at the Beta house at KU. Our entire class has been in communication in the last day and sharing our grief, and wonderful memories of Paul. He was a terrific friend and someone we all admired greatly. He loved college and our years in the fraternity. We won an intramural basketball championship in large part because of Pappy. He was loved by his class and will be greatly missed. My thoughts to his family..I'm so sad to learn of this. All of his fraternity pledge brothers remember nothing but amazing things about Paul. Jim Liggett
Nikki Todd
May 6, 2019
Thank you so very much Dr Payne - u were my husband's cardiologist and you were brilliant in your assessment of his condition - you saved his life - you are greatly missed and I know you are in heaven as every appointment we had with you , you let me pray with you for my husband and you and your family . May God comfort your family at this time God's love and grace Nikki todd
Denise Gabriel
May 6, 2019
My sweet,funny,sincere Dr.Payne,I already miss you.You took great care of me 15 of my 17 yrs with heart disease.I'll miss our talks and jokes, laughter is the best medicine! Dr.Paul Payne was a wonderful doctor and person.My sincere condolences to all of the family.
Kelly Tosh
May 5, 2019
I am so sad to see this. He had such a positive impact on my life as a young, small town girl lost in the big city and finding my way growing up. He was truly one of the good guys. Praying for his family and friends that must be terribly heartbroken.
Laurel Ransom-Echavarria
May 5, 2019
I was so very sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I have many fond memories of him from Topeka West as a brilliant student and accomplished athlete. My heart goes out to your family at this difficult time. Keeping you in my prayers.
Laurel Ransom Echavarria, Pittsburgh, PA
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Make a Donation
in Paul Payne's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Paul Payne
How to support Paul's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Paul Payne's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
