Ron was born in Peoria, IL to Walter and Mildred (Kinsinger) Payne.
Ron graduated from Joliet Township High School in Joliet, IL and earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University where he played football and baseball. He truly relished the friends he made as a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. On June 10, 1955 he married his sweetheart Sallie Joseph. Ron was a member of the NROTC and served in Japan while in the U.S. Navy.
Ron spent his professional career working for AT&T in Kansas City and St. Louis, MO. After retiring he and Sallie moved to the house he built in Glen Arbor, MI. Ron also spent many winters in Vero Beach, FL. He was an avid golfer and member of the Grand Harbor Country Club.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents and son, Steve Payne. Ron will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Sallie, his daughter Kathy (Wes) Shimanek, grandchildren Kyle (Kelly) Shimanek, Erin Payne, daughter-in-law Marla Payne and many close friends.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a contribution to Swan Songs – Austin https://swansongs.org/how-to-help/donate/, Glen Arbor Arts Center https://www.glenarborart.org/giving-options/donate/ and / or the Lambda Iota Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta https://www.purduefiji.com/contact/.
A Celebration of Life is planned for June 12, 2020 in Glen Arbor, MI.