JOHN F PAYNE

John F. Payne, 66, of Gainesville, MO passed away on March 4, 2011 at St John's Regional Medical Center in Springfield, MO. He was born on June 7, 1944 in Melrose Park, IL, the son of Harvey and Harriet (Bruce) Payne.

John was a graduate of Proviso East High School in Maywood, IL, class of 1962. He was united in marriage to Kathy Carey on February 24, 1968 at St. Alexander's Church, Villa Park, IL. To this union three children were born. John worked for 18 years as a Stationary Engineer for the Village of Oak Brook. He and Kathy lived in Broadview, IL and later moved to Batavia, IL before retiring and coming to the Ozarks. He has been a resident of Gainesville for the past six years. John loved the slow paced country life that the Ozark Mountains offered. He enjoyed his woodworking and sport shooting, and loved being outdoors. John was a member of the St William's Catholic Church in Gainesville, MO.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Harriet Payne; his brother, Bruce; and sister, Peg. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathy Payne of the home in Gainesville, MO; his children, Daniel Payne and wife Stacey of Batavia, IL, Brian Payne and wife Niesha of Yorkville, IL and Meghan Payne-Brown and husband Kendal of Sycamore, IL; and four grandchildren, Lyndsey, Caili, Alexis and Angel.

Funeral services for John will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at the St William's Catholic Church, Gainesville, MO with Father Paul Wightman officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. to service time at the church. Cremation services are under the care and direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.