Patrick Jon Payne

Patrick Jon Payne, 81, passed away on March 16, 2026, at his home of 39 years in Copperas Cove, TX. He was born May 10, 1944, in San Diego, CA, to Leland Payne and Ruth Adam Payne.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Tartan on May 9, 2026, starting at Noon. The family will be there, greeting friends and relatives.

Patrick grew up in Redlands, CA. He graduated from Redlands High School in 1962. After high school, he played college football briefly but then joined the U.S. Army to serve his country in the Vietnam War. Patrick was the recipient of some of the highest awards, such as the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Soldiers Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Air Medal w/device, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Medal, and the NCO Professional Development Ribbon.

Patrick retired from the Army and then began work as a counselor and security following. Patrick was Loved and Respected for his Strength (Man of Steel), his Love for his wife Sue Payne that he shared for 42 years of marriage, his Courage that he took with him to every battle he encountered, and his Grace on how he handled his life battling cancer, never complaining. He had unconditional love for his family and friends.

Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, Leland Payne and Ruth Adam Payne, his brother, Steve Payne, and his wife, Sue Payne.

Survivors include his daughter, Michelle Payne Ford (Brian Ford); his brother, Mike Payne (Sally Payne) of Redlands, and his granddaughters, Ally and Shelly Ford.

For many years, my Dad donated to his favorite organizations: Wounded Warriors, Vietnam Veterans, St. Jude's Children, USO, Marine Toys for Tots, and local animal shelters. In lieu of flowers, the family request would be to donate to one of these organizations that meant so much to Patrick.