Obituary: Elwood Troy Payne, 89

Elwood Troy Payne, 89, passed away Friday, September 14, 2012, at his home of 61 years in rural Smithton, after a 10 year battle with cancer.

Elwood was born October 31, 1922, on a farm south of Otterville, the fifth son of Finis Elton and Ella Wittman Payne. In 1944, Elwood was injured in the south of France, while serving in the fourth armored division of Patton's Third Army. It was there that he made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. On June 1, 1946, he married Kathleen Graber of Verona, Missouri, who survives of the home.

Elwood served in the Smithton Baptist Church as a deacon since 1951. Elwood was a successful farmer and wonderful provider for his family. His family marveled at his knowledge of birds, trees, grass and flowers native to Missouri. He enjoyed his pen pals and writing poems.   Besides his wife, Elwood is survived by a son, Donald Elwood (Ann) of Broken Arrow, OK; a daughter, Kathryn Waters of Smithton, six grandchildren: Christina Jardee (Steve), Don Payne (Carley), Evelyn Payne, Aaron Payne (Kelly) all of Oklahoma, Jason Waters, of Smithton and 2nd Lieutenant Ben Waters (Trisha) of Savannah, GA.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by four brothers: Guy, Roy, Lloyd and Judd; a sister, Lucille Cech, daughter Anita Jewell, great-grandson, Jared Troy Payne.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Heckart Funeral Home, with Pastor Kenny Shewmaker officiating.

Casket bearers will be Donald P. Payne, Aaron Payne, Jason Waters, Ben Waters, Morris Payne and Steven Jardee.

Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Otterville, MO, with full military honors. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Heckart Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Cannon Cancer Center. Condolences may be offered at ww.heckartfuneralhome.com.