Kenneth Payne of Bois D' Arc, MO passed peacefully after a long illness. He was preceded in death by his wife Lois of 46 years. He is survived by their 3 children, Ginny Smith and her husband Tom of Pikeville, TN, his son Michael Payne of Springfield MO, and his youngest son Brian Payne of Springfield, MO. He is also survived by his sister Mary Lu Kilburn also of Bois D'Arc, MO and his beloved companion of several years Elanor Wilson of Halfway, MO. He is survived by 7 grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many great grandchildren who remember fireworks at the Farm, being in his orchard at harvest time, and bonfires making S'mores.

He was an Air Force veteran and spoke often of the places he had been in service to his country. He was employed by Boeing and McDonald Douglas, crafting mostly circuit boards, wiring instrument panels and various assembly positions at both airplane manufacturers. He then worked for 16 years traveling for Bell & Howell repairing microfiche machines at several businesses in the tri-state area. As a family we always took vacations to many scenic national parks and historical sites across America.

Grief never ends but it changes,

It's a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness;

it is the price of love.

In lieu of flowers and plants please make donations to your local food banks in his honor.