Obituary of John Edward Payne

John Edward Payne, age 90, of Penn Yan, NY entered unto rest at home on Thursday, April 21st, 2022. John was born in Rome, NY on June 27th, 1931, the son of the late, Harold and Winifred Payne. He graduated from Penn Yan Academy and served in the US. Air Force for 4 years. He married Louise Russell in Penn Yan on March 11th, 1951. In his youth he had gone into the laundry business with his father before becoming a dairy and sheep farmer. He had also worked for Mercury Aircraft, Cementation Industries and Morton Salt. John retired from the NYS DOT and was the Highway Superintendent for the Town of Jerusalem 1981 to 1993. John held many positions in the Town of Jerusalem and in Yates County, including Town Supervisor from 1974 to 1980 and 1994-1997, as well as, Yates County Legislator from 1976 to 1981 and again from 1994 to 1995. He was a member of the Branchport Methodist Church. John enjoyed gardening, winters in Florida, old westerns and bird watching. John is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Louise Russell Payne; daughters, Linda Payne and Grace (Dave) Volt; sons, Jack (Tammy), Robert (Sandy), Timothy (Barbara) and David (Judy); son in law, Charles Phalen; daughter in law, Donna Nielsen; fourteen grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; sister, Jean LeClaire; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and family friend, Santiago Avellaneda. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his daughter, Deborah Phalen and sister, Janice Martin. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, May 7th, 2022 at 2pm at the Branchport Methodist Church. Interment with Military Honors will be held at 4pm at Lakeview Cemetery, Penn Yan, NY on Saturday, May 7th, 2022. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's memory to the Ontario-Yates Hospice, 756 Pre Emption Rd., Geneva, NY 14456; Keuka Comfort Care Home, PO Box 107, Penn Yan, NY 14527 or to the Branchport Methodist Church, 3376 Guyanoga Rd., Branchport, NY 14418. Memories of John may be shared with his family and friends at townsendwoodzinger.com