John Payne

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Aug. 14, 1927-Nov. 15, 2015

 

John Franklin Payne was born in Parnell, Misouri on Aug. 14, 1927 to Colburn and Fern Payne. At age 3 the family moved to Taylor County where he attended school at New Market and graduated high school from Bedford in 1945.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine of 65 years, daughter Marcia and husband Arlo Bockerman of Palmer, Nebraska; son David and wife, Debbie Rion of Springfield, Missouri; three grandchildren, Amanda, married to Austin Houp, and their son Eli Robert of Ash Grove, Missouri, Bryan Payne married to Allison, and their son Othneil Joshua of Peoria, Arizona, and Adam Milner of Topeka, Kansas; sister Wilma Wills and husband Bill of Omaha, Nebraska along with many nieces and nephews. His parents preceded him in death in 1985 (Fern) and 1993 (Colburn).

John earned an Economics Degree from Drake University and after starting a family returned to school for a law degree from Creighton University. He served in the US Navy for a year with an Honorable Discharge during WWII. He was an attorney in Iowa and Nebraska from 1966 until his retirement in 1989 from the government where he performed farm and ranch appraisals. He was an avid outdoorsman, always hunting, fishing and camping at every opportunity. A parent and leader in numerous Boy Scout troops in Omaha and North Platte, NE where he further developed his passion for camping that he and Elaine continued their entire lives, having visited all 50 states. A family man that dedicated his life, to his wife and children, always finding time and energy for family pursuits. The joy in the birth and lives of his two great-grandsons brought much contentment and happiness to 'Gg pa'; (Great Grandpa John). Always active while serving in many offices and capacities in the churches he attended, from Bethany in Omaha, to Our Redeemer in North Platte and as a current member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Villisca, IA until his death on November 15, 2015.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 21 at Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel, Clarinda, with Rev. Jerome Wagoner and Rev. Steven Wainwright conducting services. Interment was at Clarinda Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to family choice. Eickemeyer Funeral Chapel provided arrangements. www.MemoriesOnline.com