Howard Scott Payne

Howard Scott Payne
June 26, 1939 – October 14, 2024
Howard Scott Payne, a beloved husband, stepfather, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2024, at Hidden Meadows in Sellersville, Pennsylvania. Born in Glenside, Pennsylvania on June 26, 1939, Scott lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to those around him.
Scott attended Cheltenham High School in the suburbs of Philadelphia, where his leadership and camaraderie shone. He was a member of the Honor Society, Student Council, and the soccer team, though his true passion was basketball. As a forward on the court, he was not only an accomplished player but also deeply admired by his teammates, earning him the prestigious Holden Award. His natural ability to connect with people and offer support would become a defining trait throughout his life.
After graduating high school in 1957, Scott attended Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, where he was a proud member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, earning a B.S. in chemical engineering in 1961. Following his college years, Scott briefly served in the Army during the Vietnam War era, yet remained steadfast in charting his own path in life. Throughout the 1960s, Scott worked in various industries including the aerospace, medical, and food & beverage (among others), where eventually he found his true passion: sales and entrepreneurship. His talent for sales, coupled with his pioneering spirit, led him to eventually found his own business, Payne Engineering Sales, which became a successful venture.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Scott's legacy was defined by his deep commitment to mentorship and family. In 1968, he began volunteering with the Big Brothers Association of Philadelphia, where he fostered a meaningful and transformative relationship with a young boy. This young boy came from a fatherless and underprivileged home, where a steadfast presence like Scott altered his life forever for the better. Scott patiently, religiously, and joyfully took this boy to ball games, museums, concerts, restaurants, and among his own family to help foster a sense of belonging. Scott's unwavering support and guidance helped shape this boy's life, inspiring him to serve in the Armed Forces, pursue a degree in electrical engineering, and lead a successful career in IT. Scott's capacity to mentor and nurture was also felt within his own family, especially with his sister Patty and her children, Peter (his wife Sharmilla), Marjorie, and Trish, and their children. Scott was very close with his sister, and their family looks fondly on reminiscing with Scott, and all of the many experiences shared with them. Scott had two homes, Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Telford, Pennsylvania, but his heart was always in the South. Scott had a beautiful home there and we all have incredible memories of his property that he curated so exquisitely, he certainly had an eye for the arts.
In 1993, Scott's life took an eventful and beautiful turn when he met his wife, Karen. The two were married in Hawaii on March 2, 1996, and Scott lovingly embraced Karen's children, Cheryl, Frank (Chipper), and Ronald as his own. His influence extended to their children, with Cheryl following in his footsteps into the sales field, and his grandson Drake becoming a chemical engineer. His love and support were deeply felt by all his grandchildren, Shaylyn, Drake, Kirsten, Lauren, Devon, Cole, and Gabriel, who cherished their time spent on adventures, trips, and family gatherings with him. For someone that did not have children of his own, Scott was a really good dad.
He was an avid traveler, having visited nearly every U.S. state as well as Europe and Asia. He was a lover of fine cuisine (he was a talented cook), enjoyed gardening, wine, loved dogs (which he had many, including his pride and joy Oberon), horse racing (his favorite horse being Secretariat) and had a deep appreciation for music and nature.
Scott Payne lived a life of purpose, curiosity, vibrancy, and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy will continue to inspire those he touched, and his memory will be cherished by his family, friends, and the countless people whose lives he impacted.
Scott is survived by his wife, Karen, his stepchildren Cheryl, Frank (Chipper), and Ronald, his grandchildren, his sister Patty, her children Peter and Trish, and their family. He will be remembered for his warmth, wisdom, and ever-present generosity.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Alzheimer's Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106 https://www.alz.org/delval.
Arrangements by: Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 East Broad Street, Souderton, PA 18964. To send online condolences to the family, visit www.andersfh.com.