Henry Ross Payne

My name is Henry Ross Payne(Hank). On July 4, 2012, I peacefully went to be with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ surrounded by loved ones. I was born on December 11, 1921 to the late Samuel Le Field Payne and his wife Consuelo in Tampico, Mexico but grew up in a small town called Rosebud, Texas.

I joined the Army at age 18 and spent 3 years in the South Pacific theater. After I was discharged I re-upped into the Air Force eventually becoming Chief Boat Master spending 8 years in the Panama Canal Zone. After that I reassigned to McClelland AFB in Sacramento. That's where I finished my full Military career. After I finished college at Sacramento State I went to work for Douglas Aircraft and worked on the Saturn Five rocket booster. When Douglas moved their projects to Huntington Beach, I remained in Sacramento and became an Air Traffic Controller for the FAA.

My one regret is leaving my devoted wife, Gwen Broadway Payne. I inherited her two children Terrence Lee (Sally) and Melani O'Brien (Ed) who were also loving and caring in my declining years.

In addition, I am survived by my three children from a previous marriage, Charles A. Payne, Gilbert H. Payne and Nora E. Milner (Scott), five grandchildren and two great grandchildren, all of whom I deeply cherished. My younger Brother Albert Payne also survives me.

A short graveside ceremony will be held at the Miramar National Cemetery 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego on July 17, 2012 and a memorial service in my honor is planned for July 21, 2012 at 11:00 am at the Hope Church of the Nazarene, 1755 Thibodo Road, Vista, California.