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May 17th, 1933 - Mar 26th, 2023Funeral Ceremony: 11 a.m. Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora
Interment: Clay City Cemetery
Visitation: 10-11 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home
Delbert Leonard “Sonny” Payne, age 89, of Sailor Springs, Illinois, passed away Sunday morning, March 26, 2023, at Flora Gardens Care Center.
He was born May 17, 1933, in Pixley Township, Clay County, the son of Pearl and Florence (Anderson) Payne. He was united in marriage to Norma J. Sullens on December 15, 1956, in Clay City and together they have shared 66 wedding anniversaries.
Sonny worked making grain bins before deploying to Germany for a year during his service in the Army. He later worked at the Shoe Factory, in the oil field, and was a longtime mechanic running his own lawnmower shop. He was a member of the Community Southern Baptist Church in Clay City.
He is survived by his wife: Norma Payne of Sailor Springs; 4 children: Dean (Mary) Payne Sr. of Sumner, Linda (Mike) Norris of Sailor Springs, Albert Dale (Kim) Payne of Sailor Springs, and Brenda (Rodney) Lynn of Clay City; 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a sister: Elaine Anderson of Marseilles; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings: Henry Payne, Geneva Frank, Ethel Jennings, Lois Eastin, Matilda Ann “Toots” Payne, and James Payne.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will follow in Clay City Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to Clay County Cancer Crusaders and will be accepted through the funeral home. The family wishes to thank the staff at Flora Gardens Care Center for their care and compassion. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
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Norma, Remembering you and your family in prayer. Jesus is already in all of your tomorrows. You were such a wonderful care giver of Delbert. Christians never say goodbye . . . . . . .
I have so many memories of Uncle Delbert at our family get togethers! He was not overly talkative but when he did he added interesting stories. I'm thankful you had him for so many years. My condolences.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Delbert was a good man and a deacon in our church for many years. He will be missed and Iām sure he is with God. My thoughts and prayers go out to Norma and the kids.
Norma,& Family so sorry, our Prayers
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
So sorry to hear of your loss. I know he will be missed by his family. Our family sends their condolences to everyone.
Thank you for your service Sir. šš» Prayers for your family.
He was a truly special person and will be missed by all of us.
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family and strength to get thru this difficult time. May God bless you and give you comfort.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers coming your way.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Norma. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sorry for your loss Norma.
So sorry for your loss Norma,prayer to you and family.
Delbert was one of the best mechanics I have known. He worked for my father at the Massey Ferguson dealership in Clay City, IL He was really good at electrical diagnostics. The Ag class had worked for over a year trying to start this jalopy car. I asked Delbert if he had any ideas that would identify the problem. He said CK the polarity on the voltage regulator. I checked and corroborated with Neal Easton's parts with the cars electrical schematics. The next year my twin and I took an ag class and the new class was trying to start the car. I switched the polarity and the engine started. Some of my early films are of us making field calls at different homesteads. RIP
Brenda (Hugs!!) and family , I am so sorry to hear about your dad, I know things have been difficult for you all, I feel for your mom. I hope she can rest now...and May he Rest In Peace until they are together again.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
