Joseph Anthony Payne, 83, of Owensboro, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at his home while under the care of Hospice and Palliative care of Western Kentucky. He was born May 15, 1940, in Philpot to the late Ignatius Chester Payne and Agnes Gerald Kennedy Payne. Joseph was a graduate of Owensboro Catholic High School, studied at Brescia University, and served in the United States Air Force from 1961-1967, during that time when he enlisted, he first worked as an electrical power production specialist at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas, served in Thailand, and 12 months during the Vietnam War.
After serving his time in the Air Force, he was hired at the Tennessee Valley Authority, then hired in as auxiliary at Big Rivers Electric Co-op, moving up to control room operator, and then as a supervisor, and retired as supervisor of operations after 32 years of dedicated service. Joseph was a long-time member of St. Pius X Catholic Church before becoming a member of Blessed Mother Catholic Church. Outside of his work career, he enjoyed spending time with his family and grandkids, watching UK basketball, the study of genealogy, traveling to many destinations, and spending time at his condo in Florida.
Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife, Rose Mariam Hamilton Payne; and his second wife, Mary Lu Peterson Payne; siblings, Ruth Ann Cureton, Dolores Rita Hartz, Audeline Meffert, and Todie Cleophas Foster.
Joseph is survived by his son, Chris Payne (Brandi) of Owensboro; a daughter, Sheila Nealen (James) of Owensboro; grandchildren, Blake, Hunter, Jordyn, Sebastian, Brice, Ethan, Rosie, Isaac, Noah, and Hendrix; a brother, Ignatius C. “Chuck” Payne Jr.; two sisters, Theresa Pedley and Rosemary Bender; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral mass for Joseph will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Blessed Mother Catholic Church with Father Mike Clark officiating. Burial to follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 3 until 7 p.m. with prayers at 5 p.m. and Wednesday from 8:30 until 9:30 a.m. all at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Blessed Mother Catholic Church.
Memories and condolences for the family of Joseph Payne may be left at www.glenncares.com