Howard Boyd Payne

Howard Boyd Payne, 71, a resident of Fredonia, Kansas, formerly of Topeka, Kansas, died Monday, March 5, 2007, at Galachia Heart Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. He was born January 25, 1936 in Fredonia, the son of Tom J. and Ada Mae (Cather) Payne. He served in the National Guard from 1954-1962. He was a retired division manager for Sears Corporation in Topeka, where he worked for 37 years. On December 28, 1958 in Topeka, Kansas, he married Virginia M. Smith. She survives at their home. Following his retirement from Sears, he and Virginia moved back to Fredonia and owned and operated the Cox Motel in Fredonia for 11 years. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Fredonia. Survivors, in addition to his wife, Virginia, include: Two sons: Thomas H. Payne of Topeka, KS Charles E. Payne of Topeka, KS Three daughters: Lucinda Dyke of Topeka, KS Connie Failor of Topeka, KS Carol Jo Payne of Baltimore, MD One sister: Vina Lea Carr of Blue Mound, KS 10 Grandchildren He was preceded in death by three grandchildren, Crystal Mae Dyke, Robert Boyd Failor, and Kyle Thomas. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 9, 2007, at Westlawn Memorial Garden Cemetery in Topeka, Kansas, with Rev. Jim McCollough officiating. Friends may call at Timmons Funeral Home on Thursday, 2:00 P.M.-5:00 P.M. On Friday, the family will receive friends at the First Christian Church in Topeka, located at 1880 Gage, following the graveside service. Memorials have been established in his name with the First Christian Church in Fredonia or the Fredonia Regional Hospital Building Fund and may be sent to the funeral home.