Donald Howard Payne

January 21, 1915 – December 11, 2010

Donald Howard Payne, Sr., peacefully joined his beloved wife, Joyce, in eternal rest on December 11, 2010 at his home in Merced, California. He was born in Yakima, Washington to Carroll Alexander Payne and Camilla Scheibe Payne. He enjoyed many sports as he grew up, especially fishing with his father on the rivers around Yakima. Later the family moved to Tacoma, Washington, where he graduated from Lincoln High School. Don went on to graduate from Washington State University in 1937 with a degree in Business.

After several years as a high school business teacher, he joined the United States Army in 1944. Don trained in Fort Hood, Texas, where he met his beloved Joyce. He served in the infantry in North Africa, Italy and Austria. Following the war, Don began his career in the newspaper business with jobs in Salt Lake City and Beverly Hills before coming to the Merced Sun Star in 1953. Don worked as the circulation manager, business manager, and general manager. He retired in 1983 and began to travel the world with Joyce.

Don was an active member in community affairs and an enthusiastic supporter of the city of Merced. He was a charter president and member of the North Merced Rotary Club, a member of United Methodist Church, and a President of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as an enthusiastic participant in several gourmet groups. He played golf until the age of 93 at the Merced Golf and Country Club. In 2008 the North Merced Rotary dedicated the picnic area of Rahilly Park in his honor.

Don is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Joyce E. Payne; a sister, Dorothy Storey; and his parents. He is survived by his children, Don Payne (Phoebe) of Modesto, California, Susan Payne-Trutna (Rick) of Atherton, California, and Dr. Richard Payne (Catherine) of Encinitas, California, and his “adopted” AFS daughter, Mirelle (Mizou) Holveck Pritchard (Dean), of Troyes, France; his grandchildren, Jennifer Strimaitis (Ian) of Sacramento, California, Elizabeth Payne-Sdun (Holger) of Sacramento, California, Tristan and Jean-Marc Trutna of Atherton, California, and Caitlin, Megan, and Alec Payne of Encinitas, California

Don will be greatly missed by all of his family, and by all of his friends both here and abroad. As a loving father and provider, Don supported the education and activities of his children and grandchildren. He always took a personal interest in all of his family’s activities.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Merced.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, any remembrances be sent to the Salvation Army, 1440 West 12th Street, Merced, Ca 95341, North Merced Rotary Club, P.O. Box 775, Merced, Ca 95341 or the United Methodist Church, 899 Yosemite Parkway, Merced, Ca 95340.

The family wishes to thank the many friends, caregivers, and Hinds Hospice, who supported Don in the last years of his life.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.