IRVINGTON — Donald “Gene” Payne, 77, of Irvington, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at his home.

He was born November 19, 1946, in rural Dix, Illinois, to Harold and Lois (Ferguson) Payne. He married Joyce Thompson on October 9, 1971, and she survives in Centralia.
Gene is also survived by his daughter: Jennifer Henning and husband Shane of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, son: J.T. Payne and wife Andi of Overland Park, Kansas, grandson: Joshua Freed of Lincoln, Nebraska, expecting granddaughter: Daisy Payne in March of 2024, brother: Jerry Payne of Chicago, sister: Karen Ellis and husband Darrell of Bloomington, Indiana, several nieces and nephews, and special friend: Candy Guern of Irvington.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law: Bill Freed, and sister-in-law: Jan Payne.

Gene graduated from Woodlawn High School and Centralia Junior College. He served in the U.S. Army, where he proudly served in the Honor Guard. He previously worked at Community Trust Bank in Irvington for 17 years, before becoming an independent oil producer. Gene was the owner/operator of Payne Oil, later known as JAG Oil. He also owned/operated Irvington Self Storage and previously owned Payne’s Pre-owned Cars in Irvington.
Gene was an avid St. Louis Cardinal’s Fan and enjoyed collecting Cardinals Memorabilia. He attended the St. Louis Cardinal’s Fantasy Camp in 1984. He enjoyed hot rods, car shows, and traveling. Most of all, he treasured spending time with his family and friends and lending a helping hand when needed. Playing sports with his son and the neighborhood boys were some of his best memories and he said it kept him young. Gene started every day with the goal of making everyone he came in contact with to laugh at least once. He was of the Christian Faith and attended the Calumet Street Christian Church in Centralia for many years.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Anthony Sweeney officiating. Gene’s wishes were to have anyone that plans to attend, to please wear their western wear and “Cowboy Up” in memory of him.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024 from 10:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home on Saturday. Entombment will follow at the Hillcrest Lakeside Mausoleum and Military Honors accorded at the chapel by the Centralia American Legion Post 446 and the Centralia V.F.W. Post 2055.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Calumet Street Christian Church in Centralia and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois, 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Gene’s family.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland Funeral Homes Facebook page.