Donald R. Payne, age 80, entered this world November 3, 1939 in OKC, OK and translated into eternal rest on Sunday, July 5, 2020 at his home in Piedmont, OK.
A proud American veteran, he served six years with the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1963, where he received his honorable discharge as a 1st class machinist. Donald continued serving his country and his community as he spent 20 years with the Oklahoma City Fire Department. In the early part of his career he had the honor of serving alongside his father. He retired from the Fire Department, reaching the rank of Captain. He then became a member of the Fraternal Order of the Police, ranking at the top of his training class. He gave 20 years of his life, protecting and serving the City of Piedmont, where he retired in the position of Chief of Police.
Donald enjoyed relating stories about the many happenings within the fire and police departments. He loved seeing all his grandchildren and great grandchildren every opportunity he could. Donald loved traveling and experiencing new things and was able to visit Italy with his wife and son. He also loved road trips to Eureka Springs, AR with all his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Rex and Florence Payne and his brother, Floyd C Payne.
Donald is survived by his wife, Grace Payne; son, Donald T. Payne and wife Joyce; son, Daniel Rex Payne and wife Toni; son, Michael Payne-Conat and husband Wayne Conat; son, Douglas Carl Payne and wife Judy A.; grandchildren: Jeremy Payne, Stephanie Payne, Lauren Conat Tiedke, Tony Tiedke, Joseph Payne, Peter Payne, and Bonnye Grace Payne; great grandchildren: Jace Tiedke, Liam Tiedke, Sophia Payne, Lydia Tiedke, and Harper Payne.
In lieu of flowers Memorial Gifts may be made to the Piedmont Fire Department, 314 Edmond Rd. NW, Piedmont, OK 73078.
Viewing will be held 1:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 9, 2020 at Yanda & Son Funeral Home, Yukon, OK.
Friends are encouraged to attend a Wake and Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m., Friday, July 10, at the Yanda & Son Funeral Home Chapel, Yukon, OK. A private Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, July 11 at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery, Oklahoma City, OK, with entombment following.
Online condolences may be signed at http://www.yandafuneral.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Yanda & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Yukon, OK.
