RONALD ALAN PAYNE

Ronald Payne

Ronald Alan Payne, 75, of Mount Sterling died at 2:15 a.m. Nov. 13, 2021, at the Blessing Hospital in Quincy.

He was born Sept. 24, 1946, in Macomb, a son of Clarence and Helen June Croxton Payne. He married Linda “Lynn” McLamar on May 26, 1970, in Palmyra, Mo. She survives.

Also surviving are seven daughters, Angie (and Mick) Johnston of Boone, Iowa, April (and Eric) Kunkel and Abby Flannigan, both of Rushville, Anita (and Ronny) Torp of Arneberg, Norway, Audra (and Jack) Hampton of Huntsville, Ala., Alicia (and Willy) Knuth of Springfield and Amanda (and Tim) Congdon of Mount Sterling; two brothers, Lyle (and Linda) Payne of Macomb and Bob (and Anna) Payne of Rosenberg, Texas; two sisters, Mary (and Rick) Manginello of Decatur and Linda (and John) Fitch of Bushnell; and 21 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one grandson, Jonathan Guyton.

He was a 1964 graduate of Rushville High School. He attended the University of Illinois and Lewis and Clark College before being drafted into the United States Army. He served from 1966-68. He was recently the recipient of the Quilt of Valor.

He began his career with the Mobil Chemical Company in Jacksonville as a lineman. After many name changes including Pactiv and Tenneco, he retired from Reynolds in 2012, as a Tech Analyst. He remained steadfast in his commitment of excellence and loyal service.

He was a member of the Mount Sterling American Legion Post #374, serving in both local and state positions. He also worked for 18 years with the Illinois State Police and American Legion as the Third Division Co Chairman, overseeing the American Legion Youth Law Enforcement Program in Springfield.

He was a member of Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, serving in many capacities.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Wood Funeral Home in Rushville with Pastor Charla Meyers officiating. Burial will follow in the Messerer Cemetery near Frederick with military rites by the Mount Sterling American Legion Post #374 and the United States Army Burial Detail. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children or the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation.

Condolences may be sent to www.woodfh.net.

Published in the Astoria South Fulton Argus on 11/17/2021