Richard E. Payne

Richard E. Payne, 85 of Benedict, Kansas passed away Thursday, April 23, 2020 at Larksfield Place in Wichita, Kansas.
Richard Eugene Payne was born January 4, 1935 in Benedict, Kansas the son of Arvell Payne and Veola (Harris) Payne. He grew up in Benedict and attended Benedict High School. He also attended Neosho County Community College in Chanute for 2 years.
After High school he enlisted with the United States Army and served for 20 years retiring in 1972 attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. While serving in the Army he was stationed in Germany, Korea, France, Vietnam twice and Ethiopia. He received the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Vietnam Cross of Gallentry w/ Palm, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
On October 8, 1957 in Fredonia, Kansas he was united in marriage to Judy Rowbotham and she survives at the home.
Richard worked for Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) in Fredonia for 20 years before retiring in 1996.
He enjoyed playing golf, genealogy, watching Nascar, mowing the yard and computers. He will be remembered for being a good family man and proud of his military career.
Richard was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Fredonia Golf Club and Wilson County Historical Society.
Survivors include his wife Judy, of the home, children, Jerry Payne and his wife Donelle, of Fredonia, Kansas, Julie Reed and her husband Jeff of Fredonia, Kansas, Jennifer Eichinger and her husband Darren of Parsons, Kansas, Deidre Sexton and her husband James of Parsons, Kansas, brother Max Payne and his wife Charlotte of Gladstone, Missouri, sisters, Patsy Graves and her husband Ray of Anthony, Kansas, Viona Bumgarner of Fredonia, Kansas, 17 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Larry and Wayne.
Private family graveside services will be held at High Prairie Cemetery, North of Altoona, Kansas.