Thomas J Payne was born May 4, 1927 in Cassville, Missouri. He departed this life on August 20, 2014 in Springfield, Missouri. After service in the US Navy, he moved to Seymour Missouri where he met and married his wife, Janet Nell Miller on June 19, 1952. Thomas is survived by his wife, Janet of 62 years, one son, Brent and wife Anna of Costa Mesa, California; grandchildren, Tommy, Jenny, Michelle and husband Jason. Surviving siblings are his brother Bill and wife Jewel of El Cajon, California and sister Wilma Hughesman and son Ronnie of San Diego, California. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Billie Ridenour and husband Lesley of Springfield, nieces Shelly Ambler of El Cajon, California and Linda Payne of Lake Havasu, California, Debra Keithley of Ash Grove, Missouri, and Rebecca Dotson, of Walnut Grove, Missouri; nephews William and Eugene Payne of El Cajon, California. He was preceded in death by his parents Pearl and Ernest Payne and two sisters Irene and Delilah. In 1957, Thomas moved with his wife and son to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he was employed by the University of New Mexico in their printing department. He worked there for over 35 years, with the last ten years serving as Director of the department. He was a devoted Bible student with a passion for teaching. He was often sought out for his spiritual insights and counsel by his family and friends. He had many favorite scriptures as evidenced by the tattered pages and highlights in his Bible. In loving remembrance for his devoted life in Christ, with lasting inspiration to his closest family and friends. Services will be Friday, August 22, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. A graveside service with full military honors will be Monday, August 25, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Missouri Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1630 W. Elfindale, Springfield, MO 65807.