Richard Lee Payne

Richard Lee Payne August 29, 1952 - October 04, 2025

Richard, allegedly 73 despite acting like a teenager his entire life has embarked on his next great adventure. His friends and family were never quite sure what was going to come out of his mouth. While others focused on their 401Ks, Richard focused on the next adventure (or new vehicle). He was always willing to go scoot across the dance floor, play a hand of UNO, or make a splash at the lake.

He was born in Artesia in 1952 to Don and Margie Payne, who knew from the moment he was born that he was different. He was 29 inches long, and the doctor made the nurses measure him 3 times. Something he was proud to mention as many times as you would let him. They knew he was going to be stubborn, but they had no idea how stubborn.

Richard attended ABO elementary school the first year it was open and bragged about the news crews from all over the world. He was loved by children and pets and aspired to become a veterinarian until a bribe from his dad won him over. " I will pay for you to go to school or buy you a brand-new truck" as most teenagers would- he picked the truck! Right out of Artesia High School he started working for Mack in the "patch". Over his lifetime, he worked in every position. From floor-hand to consultant. He knew those dusty ol' roads like the back of his hand. He took great pride in knowing "more than those damn engineers". He could remember how many joints were pulled from wells he worked on years before and would rattle on for hours.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Don Payne and Margie Bratcher Neal, his step-father Woody Neal, sisters Debbie Payne Parrent and Frances Patrice Payne and sister in-law Carolyn Payne.

He is Survived By:

Step-Mother, Patsy Gillit Payne of Tatum, NM. Brother Jack Payne of Mission, TX. Daughter Rebecca "Bekki" and husband Cory Owens of Artesia, NM. Son Patrick and wife Misty Payne of Artesia, NM. Daughter Karlisa and husband Tony Liso of Pahrump, NV. Grandchildren Ashton Lane of Artesia, NM. Logan Owens of Artesia, NM. Bailey Owens of Columbia Falls, MT. Melody and husband Erik Smith of Albuquerque, NM. JayCee Payne and Josh Fodge of Artesia, NM. Nella, Cheyann, Paladin, and Zaehlia Liso of Pahrump, NV. Great Grandchildren Brinley Payne-Fodge of Artesia, NM and One "Gummy Bear" baking in the oven. Countless cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and of course the family he adopted. There are simply too many of you to list.

His friendships were a constant source of joy. From high school escapades dodging cops to parties in Loco Hills, (anyone that ever rode with him probably was not afraid of carnival rides), his brothers he worked with in the field, Bear Camp drinking crew, to "The Girls" at the country club that would have his drink ready and on the bar when he walked in, the "little girl that always gave him coffee at Wendy's" and Julia Mazarati that he cheered on in Odessa, Ukraine. He loved to tell stories and bragged about his memories with each of you.

He rejected the monotony of adulthood. He was an eternal child. Stubborn as a toddler, mischievous as a teenager and wild as they come. As he tired, friends, nieces, great nieces and great nephew stepped in - in a way he never imagined. They would just pop in to bring in a "fresh coke" or just to say hi. He was genuinely touched and felt love everywhere he turned.

We will be hosting a Celebration of Life on Sunday, November 2nd at 2:00. 9976 Hope Hwy, Artesia NM.