Kerry Ferrel Payne

Kerry Ferrel Payne, son of Merrel John and Bonnie Lee (Lundstrom) Payne, was born August 9, 1951 in Lebanon, Missouri. Kerry grew up and attended elementary school in Swedeborg and graduated from Richland High School. On October 4, 1973, Kerry was united in marriage to the love of his life, Rae Lynne Goforth in Swedeborg, Missouri. They shared over 39 years of marriage together and were blessed with two children, Christopher Blake and Kerri Lyn. For several years Kerry was co-owner of the Richland Trading Company and also fulfilled service calls for Richland Hardware. Even after leaving the hardware store, people continued to call on him for assistance with different appliances. Kerry began teaching computer hardware at what is now known as the Waynesville Career Center and spent 27 years as an educator before retiring. In his spare time, Kerry enjoyed working on his farm, especially looking after the cattle. He loved to be outdoors; whether it was fishing, golfing, cutting wood or working in his vegetable garden. If you would ask him what he would be doing, his response would be that he “was just tinkering”. He liked to help people with different projects. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan and enjoyed watching them. Most importantly, Kerry loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandson Payne. Kerry was a member of the First Baptist Church of Richland and attended every chance he could. He was also a member of the Richland Masonic Lodge. Kerry passed away at 7:04 p.m. Monday, July 15, 2013 in the Barnes Jewish Hospital of St. Louis, Missouri after a long battle with cancer. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Kerry leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Rae of the home; two children: Christopher Blake Payne and Kerri Lyn Howlett and husband David, all of Richland, MO; mother: Bonnie Payne of Richland, MO; two brothers: Merrel Lee Payne and wife Donna of Richland, MO and Bryce Payne and wife Susan of Eldorado Springs, MO; one grandson: Payne Thomas Howlett; other relatives and a host of friends. Kerry was preceded in death by his father, Merrel John Payne. Graveside services were held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 18, 2013 in the Bethlehem Cemetery of Swedeborg, MO with Pastor Bob Lilly officiating. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Kerry Payne to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society and may be left at the funeral home.

Kerry Ferrel Payne

August 9, 1951 - July 15, 2013