Donald E “Buddy” Payne, age 85, Pleasanton, Kansas passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 in Via Christi Fort Scott, Kansas. He was born in Trading Post, Kansas on November 9, 1933, the son of William Wood and Euleta Louise “Babe” Dalton Payne. Before he was one day old his older brother John gave him the nickname Buddy, which stayed with him throughout his life.
He attended school in Trading Post. After eighth grade he stayed home to help support his family working in the tobacco fields and Murray farm where he began driving a tractor at 10 years of age. Buddy served his country in the United States Army stationed in Korea. He was united in marriage to Lois Weller on July 28, 1956 in Pleasanton Christian Church. Buddy cultivated a tremendous work ethic. He became an over the road truck driver for Steven”s Produce which was later acquired by J.B. Hunt Trucking. Buddy and his father in law, Luther Weller were the first two drivers leasing their own trucks to that company. Later he worked as a machine operator for P and M Coal Company and was there till the mine closed and he retired.
During those years he farmed, raised cattle and operated a bull dozer doing farm work in the surrounding communities. He was a member of the Pleasanton Church of the Nazarene, and the United Mine Workers Union. He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Joshua Leach. Buddy is survived by his wife, Lois, of nearly sixty-three years, a son, Bill Payne and wife Sally; two daughters; Debra Cox and husband Danny, and Lori Peterson and husband Perry; a brother, John “J.W.” Payne; two sisters; Karol Quackenbush and Kathi Wilson, eight grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandson.
Funeral service will be held 10 am Monday, July 15, 2019 at the Pleasanton Church of the Nazarene. Burial will be in the Littell Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Sunday, July 14 at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel. Contributions are suggested to the Nazarene Church. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.
