Willie "Bill" Payne

Willie "Bill" Howard Payne, aged 90, passed away peacefully in Casper, Wyoming, on August 20, 2024. He was a cherished father, papal, uncle, and friend, whose presence will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Born in Mount Vernon, Kentucky, Bill grew up exploring the woods with his cousins, fostering a lifelong love for the outdoors. An avid fisherman and outdoor enthusiast, he cherished the mountains and prairies of Wyoming, the rolling hills of Kentucky, and the call of the lakes and oceans. His love for adventure took him to many places, a passion he summed up with his personal creed: "I have been a lot of places, I've seen a lot of things, had a lot of fun getting here."

A proud Mason for 51 years, Bill's life was full of rich experiences. He especially enjoyed his annual hunting trips with Joe and Sid Rice. But what he loved most was traveling and gambling with his beloved wife, Bonnie Jean Payne. Whether on a cruise, a road trip, or a day trip, Bill was always eager to explore new places and embrace new adventures.

Family was incredibly important to Bill. He often reminisced about his Mammie Cromer, whom he regarded as a living angel. After his father's passing, Bill took on the responsibility of caring for his younger siblings, a role he embraced with dedication. He and Bonnie cared for their aging mothers, showing tremendous love and commitment during their later years.

As a father, Bill was known for his playful spirit, spending evenings in lively wrestling matches with his children, often breaking the living room furniture in the process. He extended this love to his many nieces and nephews, who he adored as his own. Bill was a devoted Papal, sharing countless fishing adventures and singing Ray Stevens songs with his three grandchildren. His joy in life grew even more with the arrival of great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild, with whom he loved to laugh and play.

Bill's work life was as varied as his interests. He moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked in several industries before retiring from Chrysler after 30 years. It was in Cincinnati that he reconnected with Bonnie, whom he had met briefly in Brodhead, Kentucky. They married on March 25, 1961, and raised two children, John and Kathy, in St. Paris, Ohio.

A true Southern man at heart, Bill was often seen shirtless with a trucker cap, enjoying bluegrass and country music late into the night at various festivals, even into his late 80s. After retiring, he and Bonnie spent their winters in Bushnell, Florida, with family and friends, always ready for the next adventure.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bonnie Jean Payne, his son, John Franklin Payne, his parents, Boyd and Nellie Payne, all of his siblings, and several in-laws and nieces. He is survived by his daughter, Kathy (Glen Holder) of Casper, WY; grandchildren, John Payne, Kira Johnson, and Connor (Danika Holder); great-grandchildren, Dominick Payne and Elijah Johnson; and great-great-grandchild, Arlo Payne. He also leaves behind numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Two services will be held to honor Bill's life. The first will be in Casper, WY, on August 24th, 2024, with a viewing at 2:30 PM and a service at 3:30 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home. The second service will be on August 30th, 2024, in St. Paris, Ohio, with a viewing at 10:00 AM and a service at 11:00 AM at Atkins, Shively & Vernon Funeral Home. A reception will follow at a location to be announced at the service.

Bill's legacy of love, adventure, and dedication to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

To share a memory of Willie or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.