Thomas "Tom" Payne

Thomas (Tom) Kellan Payne of Monroe passed away on August 22, 2025, at the age of 84.

Tom was born in his parents’ home at 95 East 3rd South in Monroe. He was born to Elwood Thomas Payne and Myrle Hunt Payne. He married the love of his life, Merrily Brox, in November of 1959 and was later solemnized in 1965 in the Manti LDS Temple. As a married couple, they moved just 1 block north at 94 East 2 nd South. There, they grew their family to 4 children. Desirae, Margo, Stacey, and Mark. They raised their family in Monroe, and when everyone was out on their own, they purchased a house in Joseph and have been there ever since.

Tom and his brother Dick purchased Payne’s Hardware store on Main Street in 1962. Tom ran the store with his brother Harry, and Dick ran his plumbing company alongside. Payne’s Hardware was a staple in the community, and their front windows were a perfect canvas for the Homecoming murals as well as a great place to catch up on local news.

Tom started college and graduated from SUU in 1995 as a school teacher. The hardware store closed in the late 80’s, and Tom started teaching at North Sevier Middle School and stayed there until he retired.

Tom was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he held many callings. He served as a temple worker in the Manti Temple. He also served on the Monroe City Council. He was one of the founding creators of the BBQ on the 23rd of July, and cooked the meat for that event for many years.

Survived by his brother Mike, his wife Merrily, and his children, Desirae (Calvin) Callaway, Margo (Bern) Roberts, and Stacey (Richard) Sheridan. Mark (Laurie) Payne.
15 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Rona Naugle, Evon Payne, Cherril Ogden, Dona Parker, Harry Payne, Dick Payne, and Emelie Christiansen

Services will be held - Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the chapel on 75 N Center Street,

Elsinore UT. Viewing will be held from 10:00 – 11:30, and services will start at 12:00.

Burial will be in the Monroe City Cemetery. Funeral Directors Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti