Terry L. Payne, 77, of Parsons passed away the morning of Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at Advena Living of Cherryvale.
Terry Lee Payne was born on Sept. 18, 1947, to Robert Lee and Mary Colleen (Spencer) Payne in Independence. After graduating from Erie High School, he served in the United States Navy in Vietnam.
He worked for over 30 years at the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center, retiring as an HVAC technician.
He was a member of the Brown-Bishop Post No. 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Elks Lodge No. 527. For a time, he was the president of the Big Hill Bassmasters.
Known for his good humor and storytelling, Terry never knew a stranger. He enjoyed going fishing, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family.
On July 26, 1975, Terry married Deborah J. Buskirk. She preceded him in death on Aug. 6, 1994. Terry married Mary Malissa Forbes on Dec. 10, 2022. She preceded him in death on Aug. 15, 2023.
Survivors include two daughters, Tiffany Payne and Jennifer Payne (Kurt Forbes), both of Parsons; two stepchildren, Sean Westhoff of Wichita and Melanie Sherwood (John) of LaHarpe; six grandchildren, Reece Mensch of Parsons, Ryleigh, Lainey and Cayden Forbes of Parsons, Kyle Leistikow (Monica) of Altoona and Madison Cravens (Tyler) of Wichita; a brother, Bill Payne (Sherry) of Oronogo, Missouri; a sister, Judy Barney of Parsons; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Deborah J. (Buskirk) Payne; his wife, Mary Malissa (Forbes) Payne; and his best friend, Jim Peoples.
The graveside service with military honors will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont.
The family suggests memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS, 67357.
Leave online condolences at www.forbeshoffman.com.
