Dale Junior Payne

Payne, Dale Junior

Age 95, went home to his Lord and Savior, Jesus, on December 13, 2024. Dale was born in Jackson, Michigan on May 2, 1929 to Gilbert and Bertha (Thatcher) Payne.

After completing high school, Dale attended Jackson Business University, earning a Higher Accounting Diploma on May 14, 1955.

He won an Occupation Medal in Japan for his service in the Korean War from 1948 until 1951 when he received an honorable discharge.

He married Lillian May Jewell in 1952 and together they raised six children: Cindy Payne, Linda (John) Voorhees, Nancy Wilkins, Wendy Morgan, Bill (Cathy) Payne, and Randy Payne, all of whom survive. In 1998, he married Bernice Kurzynowski, and gained three stepchildren, Sandy Pappaianni, Karen Kurzynowski, and Hank Kurzynowski.

He was employed by Clark Equipment as a machine operator and later a foreman for 35 years, retiring in 1981.

Dale loved golfing, where he made two hole-in-one shots at his favorite course, Ella Sharp Park. He also enjoyed watching the Detroit Lions and Michigan State football games and going up north to fish with friends.

Dale is also survived by his loving grandchildren: Lisa Romberger, Tim Romberger, Stefanie (Josh) Nichols, Jill (Brad) Beyer, John (Jennifer) Voorhees, Sara (Troy) Brandt, Jacob (Sera) Smith, Joseph (Amy) Smith, Benjamin Wilkins, Becky (Joe) Hamlin, Jeff (Annie) Morgan, Matthew Payne, Brittney Graves and Jennifer (Alex) Vanepp; several great grandchildren; and his beloved dog, Fuji.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Austin, Loren, Cloyd, Gilbert and Herald; sisters Norma, Buelah, and Ruth; wives Lillian and Bernice; stepson, Larry Kurzynowski; step daughter-in-law, Diane Kurzynowski; and son-in-law, Kevin Morgan.

Dale was a man of great faith, generosity and integrity who brought immeasurable joy to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church at 11:00 AM with Father Chas Canoy officiating.  A private interment will be held at Roseland Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Desnoyer Funeral Home on Monday, December 16 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM with a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM.  The family will also receive friends at the Church on Tuesday, December 17 from 10:30 to 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home, American Legion, or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 134 Years