Star Beacon
CONNEAUT —
Richard E. Payn, age 99, formerly of Grant St., Conneaut, went home to be with our Lord, Tuesday, August 14, 2012, at the Villa at the Lake, Conneaut.
He was born Feb. 27, 1913, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Linus Austin and Ida Mae (Huedorf) Payn. A 1932 graduate of Conneaut High School, Mr. Payn served in the Merchant Marines. He worked as a fireman on a lake freighter and survived medical evacuation for severe appendicitis during one trip. He subsequently worked in family photographic studies in Conneaut and Ashtabula, before becoming amongst the first draftees into the U.S. Army Artillery in 1941. He was stationed at Pearl Harbor during the Central Pacific and Eastern Mandates Campaigns, and mustered out in 1945 with no less than three Bronze Stars.
Following military service, he was an independent owner-operator of a long distance truck and was later employed for many years at the Uniroyal Chemical Company in Painesville. An active member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, Conneaut, he served in various capacities including Church Council, Stewardship and Finance Committees and Board of Trustees.
He was a great reader and enjoyed many hobbies. A fine all-around athlete and avid golfer, Mr. Payn counted among his most prized possessions the ball and certificate from the hole-in-one that he achieved in his 80’s.
Survivors include his son, Roger J. Payn of Lakewood; his daughter, Susan McGill and son-in-law John T.S. Andrews of Hiram; and nieces and nephews, Natalie Robbins of Lebanon, Barbara Forgey of California, Janet Kessler of North Royalton and William Payn of Lewisburg, Pa.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Donald and Arden Payn; and his wife of 66 years, Mellicent E. (Ferry) Payn, whom he married March 3, 1945. Funeral Service will be 3 p.m., Saturday, August 18th, at MARCY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION CENTER, 208 Liberty St., Conneaut, with Pastor Joyce Shellhammer, of First Congregational United Church of Christ, officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery, with Full Military Honors provided by American Legion Cowle Post #151.
Friends may call from 2 p.m. until time of Service, Saturday, at the Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational United Church of Christ, or to Hospice of the Western Reserve. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Sign the guestbook at www.marcyfuneralhome.com and starbeacon.com.
