William “Bill” Edward Payne of Steelville, Missouri was born on Wednesday, March 2, 1938 in Steelville, Missouri to John William Payne and Bertha Venora (nee Payne) Payne and passed away on November 10, 2025 at the age of 87 years, 8 months and 8 days.
Bill served in the United States Army, spending time in France and Germany. Upon returning home, he met and married his first wife, Patricia.
Bill worked for the Missouri Department of Transportation in St. Louis for 35 years before retiring.
He was involved in the Potosi Presbyterian Church, serving as both Deacon and Elder. Through Helping Hands of Potosi, he played a key role in helping bring a family from Laos to Potosi in the 1970s.
After Patricia’s passing in 1995, Bill found love again with Pat Norris. In 2003, Bill married Sharon.
Some of Bill’s happiest times were spent in Montana at the Stimpson Ranch, where he helped with the hay and cattle and enjoyed the beauty of the open country.
He loved hunting and fishing, collecting guns, and always took pride in having a nice truck.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Bertha V. Payne; first wife, Patricia Ann (nee May) Payne; second wife, Pat (nee Norris) Payne; and step-son, Steve Dobkins.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon Payne of Steelville, Missouri; three children, Jerry (Susan) Payne of Charleston, Illinois, Mary (Brad) Locke of Ellisville, Missouri and James (Anita) Payne of Katy, Texas; two step-sons, Jim (Becky) Dobkins of Colstrip, Montana and Will (Jamie) Dobkins of Ava, Missouri; sister, Edna (William) Huggins of St. Clair, Missouri; grandchildren, Michael (Keri) Payne, April (Nicholas) Ramelli, Jacob Payne, Jocelyn (Jacob) Hill, Katie Locke, Sarah Locke, Sammy Dobkins, Angus Dobkins, Darla (Chris) Robertson, Brandon (Katie) Locke, Justin Locke, Tyler Dobkins and Chelsea Runyan; eight great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
Funeral service was held at noon on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Rev. Hugh Stewart officiating.
Burial at Steelville Cemetery with full military honors.
Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
