OSAGE CITY — Elmo Hyatte “Moe” Payne Jr., 70, Osage City, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, surrounded by family.
There is no greater gift in this life than to love and be loved. Moe will be forever honored as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother.
He was born Oct. 7, 1951, in Griffin, Ga., to Ann (Rawls) and Elmo Payne Sr. He graduated from Forest Park Senior High in 1969 and began his career as a diesel mechanic in the automotive industry.
Moe ended his 28-year career in the automotive industry as regional parts and service director. He then pursued a second career in healthcare, and retired from the Resource Center for Independent Living, Osage City.
He was united in marriage to Donita Schade Oct. 7, 1989, in Jonesboro, Ga. They enjoyed 32 years of marriage, and 37 amazing years together.
Moe loved spending time with his family and hosting large dinner parties for family and friends. He spent a majority of his free time traveling, playing golf, poker, throwing darts, bowling, and hosting billiards parties and “git-togethers.” He also loved being outside, working in the yard, and his daily breakfast with his Green Acres restaurant family.
He had a very kind and generous spirit, and never missed a beat when it came to telling good and/or inappropriate jokes.
Moe was preceded in death by his parents, Ann (Rawls) Payne and Elmo Payne Sr.
He will be missed tremendously by a multitude of friends, and he leaves behind many loved ones he held dear to his heart, including his wife, Donita; two devoted children, Katelyn Payne, Burrton, and Christopher Payne (Michelle), Alpharetta, Ga.; and five grandchildren, Morgan Welliver (Zach), Natasha Payne, Loralye Payne, Becca Parham and Merrit Parham.
We are a family bound together in love and faith. We know Moe is at peace, and we know we will see him again. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his beloved family and friends for years to come.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6.
A celebration of life service was held Saturday, Nov. 27, at the Osage City Municipal Golf Course Clubhouse.
Memorial contributions may be made to Osage County Fire District No. 2, 911 Laing St., Osage City, KS 66523, or the ALS Association, Mid-America Chapter (https://donate.als.org/fundraiser/3611337), 6950 Squibb Rd., Suite 210, Mission, KS 66202.
Dove Cremations and Funerals – Southwest Chapel, 3700 S.W. Wanamaker Rd., Topeka, KS 66610, is assisting the family.
