Darrell Dean Payne

Darrell Dean Payne was born on March 9, 1933, in Okemah, Oklahoma, to Cecil and Clara Alta (Branscum) Payne. He grew up in Weleetka, Oklahoma, and graduated high school with the class of 1951. Darrell later relocated to Wink, Texas. Darrell enlisted into the United States Navy and served his country honorably and faithfully until his retirement in 1981 after thirty years of dedication. He worked at the Naval Weapon Station in Concord, California, and specialized as a maintenance technician. Darrell served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. During his time in the military, he earned many decorations, medals, badges, ribbons, and awards. Darrell was united in marriage to Mitzie Parker on June 25, 1966, in Ojai, California, and shared fifty-five years of laughter and memories. Darrell and Mitzie were blessed with two children, Darrell E. and Lisa, and further blessed with two grandsons and one great-grandson. Darrell loved his family and treasured the time spent with them. Darrell was an avid outdoorsman. While in California, he was the happiest when he was on the water. He shared many stories about water skiing and always enjoyed a good day spending time making memories with his family. After moving to Missouri, his passion for being near the water lead him to enjoy fishing in the rivers, ponds, and lakes. Darrell accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at the age of eighty years. He most recently enjoyed the worship at Gladden Baptist Church and previously at Shannondale Community Church. His faith, family, and friends were most important to him and he modeled this in his daily life as a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. Darrell always made you feel welcome and was very hospitable. Darrell departed this life on February 18, 2022, in Salem, Missouri at the age of eighty-eight years. He is survived by his loving wife: Mitzie Payne of Salem, MO; son: Darrell E. Payne and wife Dawn of Pleasant Hill, MO; daughter: Lisa Senick and husband Paul of Oakley, CA; grandsons: Nicholas Senick and Zachary Senick and wife Michelle; great-grandson: Zachary; nephew: Jim Payne and wife Cheryl of Bethany, OK; as well as several great-nieces and nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding him in death were his parents: Cecil and Clara Payne and brothers: William “Don” Payne and Lewis Payne. Darrell was honest, hardworking, and dependable. His great sense of humor, wit, and charm will never be forgotten. He leaves behind a great legacy of a life well-lived. Graveside Services for U. S. Navy Retiree Darrell Dean Payne were held Saturday, May 14, 2022 at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery with Pastor Jim Privett officiating. Military Honors was provided by the Missouri Honors Team. Arrangements were under the direction and care of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Online condolences may be entered at wilsonmortuary.com

Darrell Dean Payne

March 9, 1933 - February 18, 2022