Kenneth Raymond Payne – Macedonia, IL

Kenneth Raymond Payne, 67, of Macedonia, IL passed away on  April 16, 2016, at John Cochran VA Hospital with his beloved wife, Mary Lou, by his side.

Kenneth was born on August 17, 1948, the son of Raymond and Marcella Payne. He attended Benton High School where he was a gifted athlete. He was a co-captain of the football team, held a long-standing pole vaulting record, and was a member of the starting five of the basketball team that had an undefeated regular season in 1966.

After serving his country as a paratrooper in the Army from 1968 to 1970, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lou Gulley.

Kenny sustained a life changing injury in 1976. The way he adapted to his limitations was admired by many.

Kenneth is survived by his wife of 45 years; a son, Doug of Carbondale, IL; a son, Chuck (Amy) and granddaughter, Ryan of Mission Hills, KS; and a sister,  Phyllis Gusentine of Macedonia.

He was a wonderful in-law to the Gulley family and a much loved uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 21, 2016, from 4 pm – 7 pm., at Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.  Funeral service will be held on Friday, April 22, 2016, at 2 pm., at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Phillips Cemetery in rural Ewing, with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the National Guard Honors Team.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged and may be made to the Benton Food Pantry, 320 South Main, Benton, IL 62812

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.