Obituary: Gerald R. Payne, 92, Jasper

Gerald R. Payne, 92, of Jasper, NY, passed into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, December 14, 2020, with family by his side. Born in Canisteo, NY on January 14, 1928, Gerald was one of seven children born to Lawrence and Gladys (Baker) Payne. Raised in Jasper, Gerald was a 1946 graduate of Jasper Central School. Gerald served in the US Army with an honorable discharge after 2 years of service. On April 6, 1947, he married Joyce Sheehan, who survives, and they celebrated 73 years of marriage. They made their home in Jasper, NY, where they raised their family.

After his military service, Gerald was employed by Bullock’s Hardware in Jasper, the Ingersoll Rand in Painted Post (15 years) until he and his wife purchased the Craig Store in Jasper. They operated this business for 22 years as Payne’s General Store. After selling the business, he was a salesman for Symonds Ford in Woodhull, NY, until his retirement. At that time, Gerald and Joyce purchased the Smith/Mayo farm on Smith Road in Jasper, where they made their home while raising cattle and crops. During these years Gerald earned his private pilot license and became a member of Hornell Civil Air Patrol; member of Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA), and they attended the Woodhull Community Church. Gerald was active in many community services and projects, including Jasper Fire and Ambulance Corp, as well as a fire commissioner, and Jasper Planning Board. For many years he enjoyed producing maple syrup on his farm. Gerald is survived by Joyce, his loving wife of 73 years. He’s also survived by his children, David and Paula Payne of Canisteo, Ronald and Judy Friends of Jasper, Carol and Tony Skelly of Torrance, CA, and Bruce and Linda Payne of Branchport, NY. Gerald is also survived by 12 grandchildren; Danielle (Lester) Miller, Becca (Ben) Evans, David (Laura) Payne, Christopher (Diane)Friends, Kelly (Tom) VanGorden, Marc (Allison) Friends, AJ Skelly, Anna (Tiffany) Hasse Skelly, Mary (Mark) Tisei, Amanda (Brian) Lucas, Abby(Kenny) Shaw, Andrew (Allie) Payne; 15 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter, his sisters, Phyllis Gerringer, Rosemary VanSkiver and Carolyn Townsend; and his brother in law, Robert (Cynthia) Sheehan and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, Gerald was predeceased by his sister Marjorie Hadley; brothers Ronald and Harold Payne, granddaughter, Kathryn Joyce Skelly and grandson, Thomas Andrew Payne. A private graveside funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family with Pastor Brian Diffenbacher officiating. A celebration of Gerald’s life will be held at a future date to be announced. Memorial donations are suggested for Woodhull Community Church or donor’s choice.