Gerald Earl Payne

Gerald Earl Payne was born November 9, 1931, to Earl Edwin and Effie Mae (Bartlett) Payne in Swedeborg, Missouri. Gerald spent his early years in Swedeborg later moving with the family to a farm in Richland. He attended Richland High School, graduating in 1949. He began work at the International Shoe Factory in Richland and was later drafted into the US Army proudly serving his country from 1952-1954. Gerald was united in marriage to Clarice Evelyn Frisbee on November 18, 1952, in Montreal, Missouri, while on leave from the Army before shipping out for Korea. The family attended Buffalo Prairie Baptist Church in Montreal, Missouri, for many years and in more recent years was an active member of First Baptist Church, Richland, as long as health allowed. Gerald served as tank gunner/driver in the Korean War. His unit earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation in1953 for outstanding performance of duty and extraordinary heroism in action and received two Bronze Service Stars, along with several other awards. One of Gerald’s greatest memories was to be able to take part in an Honor Flight to Washington DC in April 2017. Following his tour of duty, Gerald began working as a welder for Richline Manufacturing in Richland. He then spent the majority of his working career in various supervisory capacities in boat manufacturing facilities in the Richland, Lebanon, and Camdenton areas. He retired from Voyager Marine in Camdenton, Missouri, in1994. Gerald also spent many years raising cattle on the family farm. He could usually be found every day stopping by the coffee shop for the latest local news and was always quick to tease or share a joke. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking. He was an excellent craftsman and made many pieces of furniture for family and friends which are cherished to this day. Gerald also loved horses and participated in horse shows at the Richland Saddle Club over the years. He especially enjoyed riding on the local trail rides which he did for many years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Effie Bartlett Payne, two siblings, Don (Beverley) Payne of Carrollton, Texas, and Dolores (Walter) Mitschele of Muscatine, Iowa, and daughter-in-law, Bobette Gibson Payne, of Richland. Gerald passed away on June 19, 2026, with his loving wife by his side while at the Richland Care Center, having attained the age of 94. He is survived by his wife, Clarice Frisbee Payne, three children, Jerry (Shirley) Payne of Richland, Denise (Paul) Haechrel of Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, and Brian Payne of Richland. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Matt (Sarah Matthiesen) Haechrel of Falcon Heights, Minnesota, Megan (Robyn) Bayland of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dillon (Jamie) Payne of Springfield, Missouri, and Cody Payne of Springfield, Missouri, and one great-grandchild, Naomi Bayland of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as well as many other nieces, nephews, family and friends. Gerald was a hardworking, dedicated husband and father who dearly loved his family and doted on his grandchildren and great-granddaughter. The memories he created with his family and friends will always be treasured in the hearts of the ones he loved. Services are under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Gerald Earl Payne and may be left at Memorial Chapel of Richland. Online condolences can be sent at www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com.

Gerald Earl Payne

November 9, 1931 - June 19, 2026