Harold L. Payne

I entered my eternal patrol on January 18, 2026 and will be inurned at Iowa Veterans Cemetery. I was born on March 22, 1925 to Michael and Rachel (Prall) Payne in Mason City, Iowa. I attended the Mason City schools, graduating from Mason City High School in 1943. I was immediately drafted into military service in the U.S. Navy Submarine Service and was based at the Submarine Maintenance Facility in Manitowoc, WI before being sent to Midway Island for the remainder of World War II.

I met my wife Lorraine Mecca in Manitowoc and married her in 1945 while in the U.S. Navy. After the war, I attended Mason City Junior College and graduated from Iowa State College in 1952 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree.

My career of 40 years began with Tinsley, Higgins, Lighter, and Lyon. I then went with George Russell followed by Russell and Lynch; James Lynch; Lynch, Payne, Champion, Bernabe; and finally, FEH Associates.

I was a member of Masonic Orders, ZA-GA-ZIG Shrine, and Shrine Chanters. I belonged to the AIA, the Salvation Army board and ARC council. I was a member of the Submarine Veterans of World War II, U.S. Submarine Veterans, Iowa World War II Monument Committee, Urbandale Golf and Country Club, and Central Iowa Gardeners of America.

I am survived by two loving daughters, Sharon (Bill) Snyder and Susan Rich; grandchildren Ross Snyder, Michelle (Jeremy) Seibert, Matt (Heather) Rich, Whitney (Micah) Hydeman, Sean (Wanda) Snyder, Shannon Snyder Walters, Meredith (Bryan) Oakes, 12 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren.

I was preceded in death by my wife of 72 years, Lorraine; parents; sister Nancy Poff; son-in-law, Arthur Rich; and one great-grandchild, Matt Snyder.

To my friends in Heart Rehab and at the Table, life was a bowl of cherries and when we meet again, bring a 1-iron.

Forever Holding Hands

The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Monday, January 26, 2026 at Iles Westover Chapel in Des Moines, where family will greet friends beginning at 10 a.m. Offer online condolences or view a livestream of the service on Harold's obituary page at www.IlesCares.com.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial for Harold and Lorraine Payne has been established at the Kansas State University Foundation. Contributions may be sent to: KSU Foundation, 1800 Kimball Ave., Ste 200, Manhattan, KS 66502, please indicate fund M47518. To make a gift online, go to www.ksufoundation.org/give/memorials or the Submarine Exhibit at the Iowa Gold Star Museum in Johnston, IA.

Harold's family would like to express their gratitude to Home Instead, VA Home Based Primary Care Team, and EveryStep Hospice.

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