Gene L. Payne

Gene L. Payne, 90, of Mason City, passed away on Saturday, September 15, 2012, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit. A private family graveside service will be at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery with Rev. Patti Aurand of the First Congregational United Church of Christ officiating. Memorials may be directed to the Gene Payne memorial fund, in care of the family. Gene was born on January 7, 1922, in Mason City, the son of George L. and Orvetta (Klotzback) Payne. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1939, and Mason CityJunior College in 1941. He entered the Army Airforce in March of 1943. Whde in the service, he attended Brown University, Illinois Institute of Technology, and the University of Chicago at Chanute Field. After Chanute, he was involved with the Production & Engineering of Meteorological equipment. After the service, he finished school and graduated from the University of lowa. Gene joined the Air Reserves and retired as a Major. On November 4, 1948, he married Florence Katherine Hansen in Mason City. They lived in Mason City the rest of their lives where Mr. Payne owned and operated Payne Plumbing & Heating Co. The business was started by George Payne, his father, in the mid 1930's, and taken over by his son, Thomas Payne in 1984. Gene enjoyed golf, billiards, bowling, and watching football& baseball. He also had a love of history and traveled with his wife to explore many new destinations. Gene will be best remembered for aH the great times spent with family and friends. Those left to cherish his memory include two children - his son: Thomas Payne and wife Melissa of Mason City, and daughter: Margaret Peters of Pasco Co, Florida; four grandchildren: Colton & Lexi Payne, andJonathan & Nathan Peters; and many close and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife on March 31, 2012.

Memorials may be directed to the Gene Payne memorial fund, in care of the family

Service:
A private family graveside service will be at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery