Richard Payne

Richard Payne, better known as Rick (or Bic), stepped into heaven March 2, 2023. He was born in Oklahoma City and lived in Bethany while growing up, becoming a member of the 12-year club for Bethany Public Schools. He went to Central State University for one year and then graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Rick loved all sports, and was an avid golfer, even when he couldn't play anymore because of his health. He always talked about getting back on the course, especially with his physical therapist. The only thing Rick loved as much as or more than golf was singing. He had a deep bass voice, but always wanted to be a tenor. He sang with the various community groups, including Spiritual Voices, and several years with the Bethany High School Alumni Choir. He also sang in his church chorus until his health made it too difficult. More than anything, he wanted to be able to sing again. Now he is singing in Heaven's Choir, and he might even get to be a tenor.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Mendell Leroy and Ruth Dewey Payne; two older sisters, Judy Payne, and Juanita Lynn Payne; and a son, Andrew Michael Payne. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Neva Rook Payne; and two sons, Christopher Sean Payne, and Patrick Ryan Payne and his wife, Monica Payne; and four grandchildren - Chris's girls, Evelyn Rose and Lilian Grace, and Ryan's stepson, Adrian J Woolf and Ryan's daughter, Kinsleigh Itzel.
The family wants to express their sincere thanks to all the nurses, doctors and therapists at Mercy Hospital, Oklahoma Heart Hospital, Specialty Select Hospital and Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital as well as all the therapists and nurses associated with Mercy Home Health. Your care and compassion helped us through this very difficult time.
Services will be Thursday, March 9 at 2:00PM at Mercer-Adams Funeral Home.