John Payne, age 68, passed away Thursday, October 6, 2011 at Caro Community Hospital.  He was born November 1, 1942 in Flint, the son of Stella (Pemberton) Payne and the late Edison Payne.

John was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during the Viet Nam era.  He was employed with Buick Motors in Flint and was a member of Local 599.  John and the former Marian Proctor were united in marriage on August 28, 1987 in Caro.  He was a member of the Mayville Eagles Aerie 4099, past president of the Caro Eagles Aerie 3587, and the N.R.A.  He enjoyed golf, fishing, camping, wood crafts and being with his family.

John is survived by his wife, Marian; six children and their spouses, George Walker & Margaret of Mayville, Jeffrey Payne of Caro, Julie Orr of Flint, Jack & Melissa Payne of Caro, Jeremy & Tiffany Payne of Traverse City, Joe & Marie Payne of Caro; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his mother, Stella Payne of Lebanon, Tennessee; one sister, four brothers; several nieces and nephews and his lifelong best friends, Clare and Rita Fryers of Mayville. In addition to his father, John was preceded in death by one brother, Patrick Payne; son, Thomas Payne; grandson, Jacob Payne; great-granddaughter, Kayline Walker; uncle, Fran Payne; step-daughter, Delores Walker; step-son, Larry Walker.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with his sons, Jeremy and Joe Payne, officiating.  Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery with military honors afforded by the Theron Atwood American Legion Post #7 and the United States Navy. Visitation will be held at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home on Monday from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at 11:00 A.M.  Memorials may be made to the John Payne family discretionary fund c/o Marian Payne.  The family was assisted with these arrangements by the Ransford Collon Funeral Home of Caro.  Friends may share memories, thoughts and prayers online at www.RansfordCollon.com 

Notification Published by Ransford Collon Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc.

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