Danny George Payne

Danny G. Payne, 80, of Meriden, died Sunday, September 17, 2023 at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka. Danny was born December 9, 1942 at Topeka, the son of Victor Eugene and Marjorie Aramenta Heitman Payne. He was a 1961 graduate of Meriden High School. He was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving 1961to 1964. As a paratrooper, he had 27 jumps. He was discharged on March 25, 1964. Danny worked at Good Year Tire Company in Topeka. In 1975, Danny opened and owned and operated Hwy 4 Automotive Inc. in Meriden. He retired in 2018 after 43 years in business. He had many interests that surrounded cars, trucks and tractors and loved to talk with anyone about his interest. As a civic leader, Danny served on the Meriden City Council with two terms as Mayor of Meriden. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Meriden Fire Dept. and served as a board member of the former Kaw Valley Area Votech. School in Topeka.
He married Connie Mae Kirkwood on June 6, 1963 at Meriden, She survives at the home. He is also survived by two sons, Robby Payne, Topeka, Ryan (Erin) Payne, Meriden, one daughter, Robin (Braydon) Jernberg, Meriden, four grandchildren, Erick Jernberg, Abbie (Jared) Jernberg, Grayson Payne, Gannon Payne and one great-grandson, Knox Hasty and a cousin, Kathy Slater, Topeka. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister.
A Visitation Gathering will be 10:00 to 11:30 AM, Friday, September 22, 2023 at Rock Creek Bible Church, Meriden. Followed by Grave Side Inurnment Service with military honors at 11:45 AM, Friday, September 22, 2023 at Bloomfield Cemetery in rural Meriden. Memorials suggested to Veteran Services of Colmery-O'Neil V.A. M.C. or to Jefferson County Home Health Dept. in care of Barnett Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS 66066.
The family of Danny Payne wishes to thank Jefferson County Home Health and Colmery-O'Neil V.A.M.C. for their wonderful care for him and his family. barnettfamilyfh.com