Darrell Payne of Stanton, 71, passed away Friday, February 29, 2008.Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. at the First Baptist Church of Stanton with, Reverend David Harp, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, March 2, 2008 from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at Gilbreath Funeral Home. He was born on August 27, 1936 in Loraine, Texas to Lucille Ballard Payne and Leo Harold Payne. On November 6, 1954, he married Ruby Gilmore Payne, she preceded him in death ion September 30, 1991. He later married Linda Whiston. Darrell spent his childhood years in the Tarzan, Lenorah and Courtney Communities, graduating from Courtney High School in 1954. He farmed in Martin County most of his adult life. He was a corporate pilot in Southern Arizona from 1969 to 1974 and spent the remainder of his life in construction and renovation work. He was a lover of American History, and philosophy and was an avid reader. Darrell enjoyed working every crossword puzzle he could get his hands on, and became a master of the New York Times Crossword. Most of all he loved his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Linda Whiston Payne of Stanton; his mother, Lucille Payne of Stanton, and three children, Michael Payne of Stanton; Stacy Payne of Stanton and Steve Payne of Irving; five grandchildren, Lance Payne of Austin, TX, Rory Payne of Anna, TX, Melanie Fore of Portland, TX, Sabina Payne of Irving, TX, and Steven De Armond of Aliso Viejo, CA.; one great-grand child, Daniel Lane, of Portland, TX; three brothers, Tom Payne, of Ruidoso, NM, Rodney Payne and Phillip Payne both of Garland, TX. He was also preceded in death by his father, Leo Payne, and his sister, Nelda Payne. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be directed to the Martin County Historical Museum, P.O. Box 929, Stanton, Texas 79782. Arrangements under the direction of Gilbreath Funeral Home of Stanton. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
