Gary D. Payne

Gary D. Payne, 64 of Peru, passed away at 10:52 am on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on May 15, 1957 to Ray and Lorna (LeMaster) Payne. He graduated from North Miami High School in 1975. He married Sherry Payne on March 14, 1995. As a blended family, together they had 4 children: Ericka Gross, Peru, Stephanie Marsh (Patrick Marsh Cache, Oklahoma, John Lorenz (Lykia Lorenz) Anchorage, Alaska and Alicia Reinagle (David Reinagle) of Bunker Hill. Gary is also survived by his nine grandchildren Cooper Walls, Danielle Gross, Olivia Gross, Hayley Marsh, Savannah Marsh, Taylor Lorenz, Jazmine Lorenz, Connor Kubly and Brody Kubly. He is also survived by his brothers Randy Payne (Marcia) and Gene Payne (Diana) as well as a special uncle who was more like a brother, Doug LeMaster (Patsy). Along with his loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Gary was preceded in death by his infant son, father Ray Payne and mother Lorna (LeMaster) Payne, grandparents Joseph and Helen Payne and Paul and Eloise LeMaster.

Gary worked at Square D for over 42 years. He was a dedicated employee and retired in March 2020. He enjoyed spending time with his family and talking with loved ones and friends. Gary lived for attending the grandkids' activities, fishing, camping, riding his John Deere tractor, eating a good meal and trying new restaurants, and never missed an opportunity to watch the Three Stooges. Gary was a lifetime member of B.A.S.S. and the National Rifle Association. He was a member of Crossroads Community Church in Kokomo where he served on the Creative Arts Team because of his love for music. Gary was a faithful man who loved the Lord and His light shined brightly in him through his journeys. He would do anything for anyone and will be dearly missed.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Crossroads Community Church Creative Arts Team, 4254 S 00 EW, Kokomo, IN 46902. Please write Gary Payne Memorial with the donation.

In honoring Gary's wishes, a private funeral service for the family will be held on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 1pm at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana, with Pastor Jeff Harlow officiating. Burial will take place at Clymers Cemetery near Bunker Hill, Indiana.

The family is strongly recommending that masks be worn at the funeral service due to COVID-19.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

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