Tom made so many contributions to and forever is a part of our lives.

Alice Christensen: My deepest condolences on the passing of Tom.  I didn't get a chance to know him well, but he was always respectful. Ed Weber

Our deepest condolences to your family. Tim & Suzanne Berry - New Berlin, IL

I will miss Tom so much.  I wish I could be there to remember him with all of you, but I will be thinking of him from here.

My condolences go out to all. I knew Tom from NBHS. We ran x country, and did fencing. Tom and I played chess during lunch hour at NBHS. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Wishing you comfort and peace always, Alice.

﻿Simply put, Tom was the best man I knew. When you were with him, you felt as if he cared about who you were and what you had to say. That was because he truly did care. He was a gentleman in the truest and finest sense of that word. He was gentle and kind, but make no mistake, if anyone assumed that his gentleness meant he was weak, they were mistaken, he was as strong as anyone I knew. He was also wicked smart, and his curiosity made him a life long learner and enriched that life greatly.        Those of us who were fortunate enough to love him, and to be loved by him, were truly blessed. We are better people because of Tom Payne. Let us honor his memory by trying every day to be the kind of person that would make him proud of us. With loving memories, Terry and Karen

"Deere Tom"  Spring: Tom on the John Deere, riding around,              cleaning winters debris, cutting back              the overgrown grasses getting ready              to apply bluegrass seed, sow goes the               days.  Summer: Tom mowing "full bore" wide open                 throttle on his beloved Deere, also                 cutting his neighbor Rita's lawn for                 twenty years, this is what a good                 person does, sow goes the years.     Fall:  Tom "chopping" leaves, acorns and gum              balls don't stand a chance, gathering fallen             limbs into a bonfire pile, gathers friends             and family  for the John Deere wagon ride             to the bonfire, sow goes the years.  Winter: Tom in his Carhart coveralls , riding the                Deere with the plow attached, taking care                 of all his neighbors first, this is what a               good man does, sow goes the years,         
      the sown seeds of friendship for over
twenty years!

You are in my thoughts and prayers-Amy Schmidt

Words can't express the way we feel about your passing.  You will be greatly missed and you will remain in our hearts always.

Sent with love and remembrance and deepest sympathy.

Alice,  I’m so sorry about your loss.   Tom was a great guy.   Sending prayers to you and Toms family.    Jenny Stine

Alice, I am so very sorry for your loss of Tom. I am thinking of you and will keep you in my prayers.   Deana (Averse) Bradley

Tom was a great person. He always went the extra  mile to help. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, Robert Abbate

To Tom's family,  So sorry to read of the passing of a class mate from high school.  I graduated with Tom in the class of 1975 from New Berlin.  May Tom's memories give you comfort and peace.  Rest in peace Tom

Alice, Joni, Brian, and Sharon so sorry about your loss of someone who you loved so much. There are many people I thank God for bringing into my life, and as friends go, Tom is one of them. I have so many memories of our time spent together growing up and it's hard to know where to even start, from putting on our favorite super hero costume to save the world,  to playing games of chess. I remember when he was the town newspaper boy and we would go up to the bowling alley and we would play the pinball machine using the quarters from the coin change maker he had strapped around his waist from collecting money for the newspapers he delivered. I'm pretty sure his mom and dad gave him a little talking to for doing that. Hold on to the memories you have of your time with him. I'm sure there are many. I saw a t-shirt on the internet the other day that said "Normal isn't coming back, but Jesus is." This is the assurance I know Tom has. So Tom my friend, I'll look forward to seeing you on the other side.

Bill and I were so sorry to learn that your dear Tom has passed away, Alice.  He was such a kind and thoughtful man with a wonderful array of interests and experiences that were always entertaining -- and often surprising -- to hear about.  We treasured our visits with the two of you.  I am sorry that they were so infrequent.  With our deepest sympathy and much love, Martha and Bill

Sympathy to all the family.  Dad and I recall the high school days of all of you with a smile  Our paths then occasionally crossed. Most recently was when you dealt with the passing of your mother. That was the first time I had seen Tom in many years. Sorry to learn of his passing after all his health battles. Earth is a lesser place, Heaven gains our blessing Raymond and Cheryl Long

If you ever ride a train, share the experience with Tom. If you find yourself enchanted by a hummingbird, a butterfly or other pollinator at work, think of Tom. If you ever find a morel mushroom, thrill in the moment, as Tom would! If you ever respond to “How are you?” with “Just Jim Dandy!”, you’re channeling Tom. Not if, but WHEN the St. Louis Cardinals win another World Series, cheer with Tom (even if you’re a Cubs fan)! If you’re ever inspired to write a haiku, recite it for Tom.  Many years ago, Tom and I started occasionally composing simple 5-7-5 haiku to encapsulate some observation or event of the day. On October 2, 2020, the night of Tom’s AML diagnosis, I wrote: 	You are not here now. 	I say your name in the dark. 	“Tom” will come back home. Now I write: 	You are still with me. 	I say your name many times. 	Your love enfolds me.  Tom Payne left many beautifully faceted impressions on us. He will always be with us!

Alice and Family, we are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing.  Thoughts and prayers are with you.  Mary Lou Thomas

Dear Payne family,  May God surround you with comfort, strength, and peace as you miss Tom,  Love, Ron and Mary Ann Krohse

To a wonderful man.  So sorry to hear of his passing.    Lee Korty / Bert Morton

Deepest sympathies  from the LRS International Team:  Matt, Troy, Budi, Murray, Mike, Dave, Lewis, Steve, David,  Lars & Rolf.

Alice. I'm so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. We've said a lot of prayers for Tommy, ever since he got sick. We both started with the state about the same time, and quickly became good friends. He was such a good guy, always with a smile and always willing to lend a hand. He was very witty and smart, thus his long career with LRS. He really made the most out of life. I know he's in a much better place now. Heavens gain is truly our loss. I'm currently in Florida,  and won't be able to make the visitation and funeral. I wish I was there to give you a hug, and to shed a tear. I can't believe he's gone. Please know you're in our thoughts and prayers. If you would give Brian a hug. Take care and God Bless.  😪😪                       Kevin and Pam Blakeman.

We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center - Springfield 

OBITUARY

Thomas E. Payne

October 26, 1957 – March 10, 2022

Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center-Springfield

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