Byron G. Payne

He was born on April 7, 1936 to Mary Edna Payne, his loving mother who he missed dearly after losing her early in his life when he was just 19 years old. Byron married Cecilia (C.C) Ryan on May 15, 1965. It was love at first sight. They were married after only eight months of knowing each other and just celebrated their 56 year wedding anniversary.

C.C survives, but misses him dearly. Also missing him is his sister, Marilyn Vise; his two daughters, Donna (Chris) Malone of Brimfield, and Kim (Curt) Young of Maroa; four grandchildren, Andrea (Josh) Adams, Riley and Noah Malone, and Chad (Lauren) Young; four great-grandchildren, Gabe and Payton Adams and Amelia and Colby Young.

Byron retired from Komatsu in 1998 and remained 39 years young for at least 30 years. He was a devoted husband who loved spending time with his family, working in the garden, and helping his wife with the dishes. He always supported the underdog no matter if that meant taking care of stray cats or rooting for the Red Sox. His grandchildren know him best for his advice to never take wooden nickels and his freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Byron was fiercely loyal to those he loved. His favorite place in the world was in the comfort of his home with the woman he loved.

Saying goodbye is never easy. Byron’s family would like to thank those whose support and love held them up during this challenging time; Wynne and Marilyn Carter whose friendship made the good times better and the bad times bearable, Larry Wilson who brought the paper to their door when walking to the mailbox wasn’t an option anymore and Dr. John S. Shallat who made a man who hated doctors love, respect and most importantly, trust him. Thank you for everything.

Today we know the husband, father and grandpa we all loved is sitting next to the mother he has missed for so long watching Gunsmoke and waiting for his garden to grow.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 28, 2021 from 4:00-6:00 PM at Charter Oak Bible Church located at 5910 W. Charter Oak Road in Peoria. Funeral services will also be held at Charter Oak Bible Church on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at 10:00 AM by Pastor Roger Larson. Burial will be at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.

Memorial contributions may be made to Charter Oak Bible Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Davison Fulton Woodland Chapel and online condolences may be left at www.davison-fulton.com.