Ronald Payne

Ronald Alan Payne, 75, of Mt. Sterling, began his eternal life at 2:15 AM, Saturday, November 13, 2021, at the Blessing Hospital in Quincy.

He was born on September 24, 1946, in Macomb, the son of Clarence and Helen June (Croxton) Payne.  He married Linda “Lynn” McLamar on May 26, 1970, in Palmyra, Missouri and she survives.

Also surviving are seven daughters Angie (Mick) Johnston of Boone, Iowa, April (Eric) Kunkel of Rushville, Anita (Ronny) Torp of Arneberg, Norway, Audra (Jack) Hampton of Huntsville, Alabama, Alicia (Willy) Knuth of Springfield, Amanda (Tim) Congdon of Mt. Sterling, and Abby Flannigan of Rushville, 21 grandchildren, two brothers Lyle (Linda) Payne of Macomb and Bob (Anna) Payne of Rosenberg, Texas, two sisters Mary (Rick) Manginello of Decatur and Linda (John) Fitch of Bushnell, several aunts, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson Jonathan Guyton.

Ron was a 1964 graduate of Rushville High School.  He attended the University of Illinois and Lewis and Clark College before being drafted into the United States Army.  He served from 1966 to 1968.  He was recently the recipient of the Quilt of Valor.

Ron began his career with the Mobil Chemical Company in Jacksonville as a lineman.  After many name changes including Pactiv and Tenneco, he retired from Reynolds in 2012, as a Tech Analyst.  He remained steadfast in his commitment of excellence and loyal service.

He was a member of the Mt. Sterling American Legion Post # 374, serving in both local and state positions.  He also worked for 18 years, with the Illinois State Police and American Legion as the Third Division Co Chairman, overseeing the American Legion Youth Law Enforcement Program, in Springfield.

He was a member of the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, serving in many capacities.

Ron enjoyed being outdoors, painting using both oil and acrylic mediums, playing checkers, chess and was an avid card shark. His greatest joy was his wife of 51 years, his children, and grandchildren and attending all of the special moments in the lives of his family.  He loved when he could spend time teasing his family with his quirky sense of humor and debating political and philosophical topics.

Services will be at 11:00 AM, Thursday, November 18, 2021, at the Wood Funeral Home in Rushville, with Pastor Charla Meyers officiating.  Interment will follow in the Messerer Cemetery, near Frederick, with military rites by the Mt. Sterling American Legion Post #374 and the United States Army Burial Detail. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at the Wood Funeral Home in Rushville. Memorials are suggested to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children or the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation-Gold Star Families.