Donald E "Buddy" Payne

Monday, July 15, 2019

Donald E "Buddy" Payne, age 85, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 in Via Christi Fort Scott, Kan. He was born in Trading Post, Kan., on Nov. 9, 1933, the son of William Wood and Euleta Louise "Babe" Dalton Payne. Before he was 1-day-old his older brother John gave him the nickname Buddy, which stayed with him throughout his life. He attended school in Trading Post. After eighth grade he stayed home to help support his family working in the tobacco fields and Murray farm where he began driving a tractor at 10 years of age. Buddy served his country in the United States Army stationed in Korea. He was united in marriage to Lois Weller on July 28, 1956, in Pleasanton Christian Church. Buddy cultivated a tremendous work ethic. He became an over-the-road truck driver for Steven's Produce, which was later acquired by J.B. Hunt Trucking. Buddy and his father-in-law, Luther Weller, were the first two drivers leasing their own trucks to that company. Later he worked as a machine operator for P&M Coal Company and was there until the mine closed and he retired. During those years, he farmed, raised cattle and operated a bulldozer, doing farm work in the surrounding communities. He was a member of the Pleasanton Church of the Nazarene, and the United Mine Workers Union. He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Joshua Leach. Buddy is survived by his wife, Lois, of nearly 63 years, a son, Bill Payne and wife Sally; two daughters; Debra Cox and husband Danny, and Lori Peterson and husband Perry; a brother, John "J.W." Payne; two sisters; Karol Quackenbush and Kathi Wilson, eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson.

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