Steven Alan Payne, age 58 of Lafayette and formerly of Waynetown and Mellott, Indiana, passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on Sunday afternoon, January 1, 2017, after a courageous battle with multiple sclerosis. He was born in Danville, Illinois, February 27, 1958, son of John (J.C.) and Rhea Lyons Payne. He married Tina Yates on January 12, 1980 in Mellott, Indiana and she survives.
Steve attended Richland Elementary and graduated from Fountain Central High School in Veedersburg. He was employed by Farm Bureau Co-Op in Mellott, and R. R. Donnelley & Sons in Crawfordsville where he retired. He was a member of the New Hope Christian Church. He also volunteered for the Mellott Fire Department, the Waynetown Fire Department and was a member of the Waynetown Merchants Association, and the Machine Operators Organization.
Steve enjoyed playing golf, following Nascar racing with Jeff Gordon as his favorite driver, attending the Brickyard and Atlanta Raceway several times. He enjoyed watching drag racing and his favorite football teams, the Colts and the Bears, but most of all he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Surviving along with his wife Tina are three daughters: Amber (Jason) West, Meagan (Ryan) Hamm, and Alyson Payne; and grandchildren Hunter, Haze, Zayne, Layla, Brooklynn, Izabelle, Scarlette, and Elena; a sister, Brenda Payne; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents William and Edith Lyons and Kyle and Bertha Payne, brother James Levi Payne, brother-in-law Craig Wayne Mitchem, and sister-in-law Jennifer Owen Yates. Steve served as an inspiration of hope and courage to all that knew him. The family would like to recognize the staff of Mulberry Health in Mulberry, Indiana, for their skill, kindness, compassion and love for Steve in his final days.
Visitation will be 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Saturday, January 7th at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate. Funeral services will immediately follow the visitation at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Seth Stultz officiating. A private inurnment will follow in Waynetown Masonic Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, www.nationalmssociety.org/Donate. To leave a condolence or share a memory, visit us at www.familyandfriendsfh.com. The family asks that you spend time with your loved ones, enjoy the beauty of nature, and make a toast to enduring friendships, lifelong and beyond. That is what Steve would wish.