Gary L. Payne

Gary Louis Payne, 81, of Mackinaw, Illinois, passed away April 28, 2025, surrounded by loving family.

Gary was born February 26, 1944 in Washington State to James and Golda Ingleton Payne. He married Suzanne Vielhak on January 11, 1964 at the Mackinaw Baptist Church, and she passed away December 25, 2022.

He is survived by his children, Mike (Marci) Payne of Mackinaw, Randy (Amy) Payne of Mackinaw, Kim (Larry) Whitaker of Minier, and Tammie Payne of Mackinaw; 11 grandchildren, Amanda, Randi (Robert), and Laura(Cody) Payne, Chris (Lori) Templeton, Luke (Brealyn), Brandon (Danielle), Brady (Christina), and Lainey (Blake) Whitaker, Aleigh and Hannah Payne, and Jadyn Payne; great grandchildren, Gabby, Barrett, Channing, Trace, Charlee, Bruin, Denver, and Blake; three surviving sisters: Marilyn(Gene) Andrews of Deer Creek, Brenda Plunk of Selmer, Tennessee and Judy McCollum of Eureka IL.

He was preceded in death by his wonderful wife Suzanne, his parents; also, his sister Debbie Terviel of Washington IL; three brothers- in-law, Larry Vielhak of Eureka, Neal Plunk of Bethel Spring’s, Tennessee, Rick McCollum of Eureka; and two nephews.

Gary went to Dee-Mack High school where he went to spend this career working maintenance at the high school  till retirement. Following retiring he became the maintenance man at Wolfway apartments on the west side of town.

He was known for being the best guitar player. He had a band with his boys and played events  all over and he played music for the church . He loved the Lord and his family. He will be missed greatly by all.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 1:45 pm Sunday May 4, 2025 at Hope Baptist Church in Mackinaw. Funeral services will be following at 2:00 pm at Hope Baptist Church, with pastor Josh Beutow and Brother Tim Sievert officiating. Burial will be in Mackinaw Township Cemetery. Haensel-Oswald Funeral Home in Mackinaw is handling the arrangements. 

Donations to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate.

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