Milton Payne

Milton was born on February 24th, 1938, to Bill and Lillie Payne in Troy, Texas. He played football and graduated from Troy High School in 1956. Milton experienced his first taste of independence riding his Whizzer motorcycle along the backroads—a treasured possession that remains with his daughters to this day. After high school, he worked locally for a Lumber Company and attended Temple Junior College. During this period, Milton met Norma Jean Haisler in Temple, Texas. The couple married on July 28th, 1961.

Shortly after Milton and Norma married, Milton’s Texas National Guard unit was activated and they were sent to Ft. Polk, Louisianna in October 1961 where he was assigned to the Heavy truck/Equipment division. After their time in Louisianna, Milton and Norma moved back to Temple and he went to work for Ira Young car dealership, continuing his love for anything mechanical. They settled down in Temple and had 2 daughters, Leshia and Michelle and completed their family.

In 1966, he went to work for Coca Cola Bottling Company in Temple, Texas as a cooler and refrigeration technician until his first retirement in the spring of 2000. He continued to work on vehicles, family farm equipment, and his many motorcycles in the evenings and on weekends. His retirement was perfect timing with his granddaughter Shelby being born in the summer of 2000.

Over the next few years, Milton and Norma’s calling was being grandparents. They attended every event and any opportunity to be with and support Shelby. Retirement didn’t last long, and he went to work for Central National Bank as a home construction inspector. Milton and Norma logged thousands of miles, inspecting homes and enjoying the countryside.

In 2015 the hearing loss from his time in the Guard got to the point of being totally deaf. This presented a new challenge as he learned to communicate through pen and paper as well as using other devices that he can read. He still always greeted everyone with a smile and asked how they were doing even if he couldn’t hear the answer.

A special companion during Milton's later years was his cat, Maddie. She moved with him to his apartment at Garden Estates in September 2025, offering him comfort and companionship

Milton loved his daily cups of coffee, with entirely too much sweet and low, and hamburgers and tater tots on almost a daily basis. He was a simple man that enjoyed keeping every nut, bolt and miscellaneous part because someday “they will come in handy”

Milton was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Jean Payne in 2024, his parents, brothers Burnell Payne and Billie James Payne, sisters Josedean Payne and Joanne Payne.

He is survived by his daughters Leshia Toliver and husband Kurt, Michelle Payne, and granddaughter Shelby Toliver.

Niece Phyllis Lynch and husband Matt, niece Connie Williamson and husband Ted, nephew Kyle Payne and wife Robin, nephew Brett Payne and wife Maggie and nephew Scott Payne.

The family ask for memorials to be directed to:

“Our Hospice House”

5235 Tollbridge Road

Belton, Texas 76513

OurHospiceHouse.org

Thank you

Our deepest thanks and gratitude to Our Hospice House. The Dignity and care given to Dad was beyond what we could have expected. Special thanks to Michelle, Joanne, Bonnie, Maggie and Annie for the utmost respect for him. It was truly a Blessing.

Also, a special thanks to Enhabit Hospice Care for providing Respect, Dignity, Care and Compassion to our Dad and the entire family. Thank you to the entire team Julia, Danna, NaTasha, Terrie and Stacey. All of you provided a Blessing that we will forever be in our hearts.