John E. Payne

John E. Payne, 63
Campbell We honor the life and legacy of John E. Payne, who passed away peacefully on October 13, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service.
Born on February 19, 1961 to Charles William Payne and Sylvia (Raymond) Payne. John's life was one defined by commitment to his family, community, and country.
He graduated from Campbell Memorial High School in 1979, where he excelled as a center for the football team and was a successful wrestler. John carried his competitive spirit and leadership into his professional life. He served honorably in the United States Air Force for over three decades, from 1980 to 2013, rising to the rank of Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 911th Airlift Wing. A cherished family memory from his deployment following the events of 9/11 was that he maintained his family's morale by sending coded placemats with different country codes, allowing them to decipher his whereabouts. This was a true testament to his thoughtfulness, even in the most challenging time.
Simultaneously, John dedicated over 28 years of his life to the Youngstown Police Department, where he served in multiple capacities. His roles in the department included community policing, SWAT sniper, Detective Sergeant, Turn Sergeant, the Honor Guard, and intermittently for the YSU police department, where he showcased his skills and compassion. John's natural ability to defuse tense situations and his dedication to public service left a lasting impact on his fellow officers and community he served. One of his greatest accomplishments was serving as a resource officer, where he mentored and positively influenced countless young people in the city he deeply loved.
Outside of his professional life, John's greatest joy came from spending time with his beloved grandchildren. He also had a passion for riding his motorcycle across the country to reconnect with lifelong friends, playing his guitars, enjoying his favorite music and cheering on the Buckeyes.
John is survived by his mother Sylvia; three sons, Bill (Angie) Payne, Robby Payne (girlfriend Morgan), Jake (Ally) Payne, and Patty, the mother of his children. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren, Dominic, Lilianna, Gianna, Myles, Shelby and Mason. He is also survived by his brother Bob Baun; sister-in-law Janice; nieces Dana, Jaymi and Pam, along with many other relatives and friends.
John was preceded in death by his father Charles, brother Dan, sister Linda Zimmerman and niece Danielle.
The Payne Family has entrusted their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell where they will receive friends and family on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. A prayer service will be offered on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 10:15a.m. at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11a.m. at Christ Our Savior Parish at St. Nick's Church in Struthers officiated by Father Philip Rogers.
Military Honors will be held at St. John Catholic Cemetery in Lowellville.
John Payne will be remembered as a man of integrity, service and love. A cherished son, father, grandfather, brother and friend whose memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
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