Ed was born on March 13, 1937, in Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois. He grew up in Bloomington. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Payne; his mother, Ruth (Sherman) Payne Capodice; and his stepfather, Martin Capodice. He built a career at Illinois State University, where he worked for 35 years. Following his retirement, Ed and Dorothy ("Dot") made their home in Alamo, Texas. In 2019, they moved to O'Fallon, Missouri, to be closer to family during Dorothy's illness, and Ed remained in the O'Fallon area following her passing later that year.
Ed was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy ("Dot"), who passed in 2019, and his son, Richard, who passed away in February 2026. He is survived by his half-sister, Jacqualine Att, and his half-brother, Michael Payne; his sons John (Sherri), Timothy (Colleen), and Martin (Kim); seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
No public services are planned.
