Clyde Adair Payne

Clyde “Bud” Payne, 101, of Lakewood, Colorado, passed away on December 30, 2025. He was born in Portland, Oregon, on March 18, 1924, to Ruthvin and Verna Payne (Toomire). Bud graduated from Fife High School (Tacoma, Washington). He served in the US Navy as a radarman during World War 2 aboard the USS Prince Georges. He married Mary (Witt) Payne on October 27th, 1946 in Edgewater, Colorado.

Bud had a career in painting and drywalling. He was especially gifted in mixing paint colors. Bud thoroughly enjoyed eating as Mary was a wonderful cook, known for her pies made from scratch. He was also an avid fisherman who became active in ice fishing upon retirement. He volunteered with an organization offering inner city youth the opportunity to learn fishing. Bud also enjoyed making wood plaques to sell at local craft fairs. He and Mary formed many close friendships with the Redeemer Rockers at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Denver.

In his last decade, he remained very active playing bingo, Rummikub, and Skip-Bo. For many years, he skipped dinner and ate four cookies to tide him over until his favorite meal of breakfast. Bud’s biggest gift was his personality and humor. He was beloved by his family, church community, and the staff at the Village at Belmar for his kindness, playfulness, and humility.

He is survived by his son, Cliff Payne (Pat); his daughter, Paula Payne; his grandchildren, Seth (Shannon) and Andrea (Matt); his great-grandchildren, Morgan, Noah, and Luke; his great-step-grandchildren, Maddie (Garrett) and Riley; and his step great-great-grandson, Teddy. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 7, at Zion Lutheran Church, located at 2600 S. Wadsworth Blvd. Denver, Colorado 80227.