Gene Deforest Payne

Gene lived life on his own terms. He loved hunting, fishing, motorcycles, and time on the water. Adventurous by nature, he completed the Great Loop aboard his boat, Lucky. He meticulously built and fine-tuned Harley motorcycles from the 1950s through the 1980s and competed in events like the legendary Jack Pine Enduro. In fact, he had been preparing to enter again this year — proof that the fire in him never really went out. He loved telling those stories, always with pride and a smile...

Born on August 21, 1938, in Madison Heights, Michigan, to Barbara and Martin Payne, Gene’s independent streak showed itself early. At just 15 years old, he left home, determined to see the country. That decision set the tone for a life of hard work, resilience, adventure, and more than a few unforgettable stories.

Gene built a business from the ground up. Starting with a single dump truck, he grew Payne’s Truck Service in Buckley through grit, long hours, and mechanical skill. Over time, the business expanded into a fleet of tanker trucks and a service shop that kept not only his own equipment running, but also school buses and trucks throughout the community. The people he worked alongside weren’t just employees — many became like family.

Gene was an outdoorsman through and through. He found equal joy in the sound of an engine and the quiet of the woods. Whether he was tracking game or working in his garage, he brought patience, skill, and steady determination to whatever he was doing.

But of all his accomplishments and adventures, Gene was proudest of his family. In his later years especially, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren became his greatest joy. The moments he treasured most were often the simplest — time in the workshop, or gathered around a table where stories were told and laughter carried on.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Barbara Payne; his sister, Dorothy Enger; his brothers, Karl Payne and Jack Payne; and Margaret Payne, the mother of his children.

He is survived by his daughter, Eileen (Brian) Tyson of Buckley, Michigan; and his son, Martin (Carol) Payne of Spring Lake, Michigan. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Kathleen (Sam) Reed, Jacob (Grace) Tyson, Mitchell Payne, and Connor Payne; his great-grandchildren, Chase, Avery, and Gavin; his step-sons, Jim (Debbie) Stagg (children: Mike, Michelle, and Paige) and Tom Stagg (children: Trisha, Wade and Eric), and their families; his sisters, Janet Schmidt, Marilyn (Gerald) Sylvain, and Cathy (John) Kay; and many nieces and nephews.

A small family Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 28, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Hannah Catholic Church. In true Gene fashion, he will be arriving “fashionably late.”

A larger Celebration of Life will be planned for this summer, when extended family and friends can gather to share stories and remember a life well lived.

In tribute to Gene’s way of life, guests are encouraged to wear blue jeans and a flannel or work shirt.

Gene will be remembered for his strength, his independence, and his unwavering work ethic. Most of all, he will be remembered for the stories he told and the family he loved. We trust that the strength that carried him through this life now rests in the peace of the Lord.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Kingsley Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www,beaconfh.com