Warner Vee Payne Sr.

Warner V. Payne, Sr., 85, of Evansville, IN, passed away on August 4, 2020. Warner was born in Evansville, IN to William E. Payne, Sr., and Bertha Payne (Barrett) on August 6, 1934. He attended Lincoln High School prior to joining the United States Army on March 5, 1952. He valiantly served in the Korean War and received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained at the “Battle of Pork Chop Hill”. He was honorably discharged on March 11, 1955. He worked at the Baker Company for 11 years and retired from the Whirlpool Corporation after 33 years of service. He was also a Master Mason with the Masonic Lodge in Evansville, IN.

Warner and his beloved wife, Shirley A. Payne (Echols), were married for over 64 years. He was a life-long member of Memorial Baptist Church. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized in 1962 under the pastorage of Reverend J. W. Hoover. He continued to faithfully serve under the pastorage of his brother, Reverend William E. Payne, Jr., as a deacon, trustee, and teacher. Under Pastor Adrian M. Brooks, I., whom he loved as a son, he served faithfully as Chairman of the Deacon Board, Chairman of the Memorial Community Development Corporation, Chairman of the Trustees, and a trusted advisor and mentor to countless brothers and sisters in Christ.

Warner was preceded in death by siblings Wilma Payne Casterman, Elton Payne, Precious Payne Jones, William E. Payne, Jr., James E. Payne, Sr.; his son Warner V. Payne, Jr.; his maternal “Aunt Pearl” Barrett Clark whom he loved dearly and was a mother to he and his siblings after the death of their parents, and a host of other relatives.

Warner is survived by his wife, Shirley A. Payne; daughter, Faith Payne; son, William Payne (Evelyn); brothers, Bert Payne (Arlinda) and Thomas Payne; his cherished cousin and friend, Christine Wagner; 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Osborne Funeral Home has been entrusted with Warner’s final care. There will be a Walk-Through Visitation held at the Memorial Baptist Church on Sunday, August 9, 2020, from 4-6p. The family requests that all friends, church family, and community members please come at this time to pay your respects. A homegoing celebration for the family will be held at the Oak Hill Cemetery Chapel on August 10, 2020, at 11a. Face masks will be required at both.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff of Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, IN.