Charles D. "Chuck" Payne

Charles Douglas “Chuck” Payne, age 69, of Versailles, Missouri passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at his home.

He was born December 22, 1949, in Champaign, Illinois a son of Harold Eugene and Helen Irene (Cohea) Payne.

Chuck grew up in Tolono, Illinois, where he attended Unity High School and was active in sports, especially football and wrestling.  He was an Army veteran, who served his country in the Vietnam War.

Chuck worked for Kraft Foods in the Champaign, then as a realtor for many years.  Following his dream, he decided to look for land and settled in the Bunceton, Missouri area, where he was employed as a route driver for Safety-Kleen.  He retired as a correctional officer with the Missouri Department of Corrections facility in Tipton, Missouri.

Chuck greatest enjoyment came from spending time on his farm, where he could be outdoors.  He had a soft spot for all animals, especially his beloved dogs. For more than 30 years, Chuck bred and showed pedigreed Scottish Fold and Persian cats and achieved several national wins in the Cat Fanciers’ Association.

Survivors include two siblings, Bill Payne and wife Sue of Tolono, Illinois and Barbara Payne and husband Perry Testory of Urbana, Illinois; nieces and nephews, Sam Payne, Whitney Payne Striegel, Cody Payne, Keegan Payne, Jessica Lewis Woolcott, Stephanie Lewis Ward and Jordan Lewis, along with great nieces and nephews, other relatives and his many friends in Versailles.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Cathleen Payne Lewis.

In keeping with his wishes, he will be cremated.

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