Donald R. Payne, devoted family man, was born in Lansing on April 8, 1926 and passed away on February 27, 2023. The son of Roy and Sophie Payne, he was the younger brother of Vernon and Robert. He attended Sexton High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy to serve in New Guinea during World War II. Upon his return, he began an internship at Atlas Drop Forge to become a die sinker, following his father and brother to proudly become a skilled tradesman.
Don married Betty Lou Chisler on December 17, 1946, and they were married for 69 years before her passing in 2016. Their four children, Gayle (Jim) Kirker, Glenda (Jerry) Whiting, Bryce (Gloria) Payne and Betsy (Louis) Stadt knew they had the best dad ever. He was close to all seven of his grandchildren: Marcy (Ken) McFadden, Renee (Allen) Spiewak, Kelly (Ben Luchsinger) Kirker, Jeremy Whiting, Jessica Payne, Louis (Jen) Stadt II and Charles (Megan) Stadt. He will also be missed by his ten great-grandchildren: Makenzie (Jacob), Jordan, Trevor, Tyler, Kayla, Cole, Avery, Dylan, Foster and Hunter and his new great-great granddaughter Lucy.
Don was a man of integrity and honor. He was a loyal friend, a hard worker, and a nature-lover. His favorite places to be were at his farm in Laingsburg and his cottage on Elk Lake in Gladwin. He was an avid hunter, he loved to watch the wildlife, and he was always first to spot the kingfisher in the pine tree. He was one of Frank Sinatra’s biggest fans, and he spent hours watching MSU football and the Lions on television. He was an artist, a skilled woodworker, and truly kind man. He and Betty volunteered for the American Legion in Laingsburg for many years. He will be missed but remembered by all who knew him.
A visitation for Donald will be held Monday, March 6 from 1:00pm until the time of the funeral service at 2:00pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 900 E Michigan Ave Lansing, MI 48912. Interment to follow at Deepdale Memorial Gardens.
Those who wish to honor Don’s memory may make a donation to the American Legion—Laingsburg, 1240 W Grand River Rd, Laingsburg, MI 48848.
