N. Leon Payne, 87, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, formerly of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Wednesday morning, May 1, 2013 at Via Christi Nursing Home in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

Born December 26, 1925 in Cedar Vale, Kansas he was the son of Orval S. and Clara Faye (French) Payne. When he was five years old the family moved to a farm near Winfield, Kansas. Leon was raised and received his education in the Winfield area where he graduated from Winfield High School in 1943. He then attended Ottawa University in the Kansas City area. In 1945 he returned to the family farm to help out during the war.

Leon was united in marriage to Patricia Orand on January 20, 1950 at Grandview United Methodist Church near Winfield. The couple made their first home in Wilmot, Kansas where Leon was working for the Lewis Elliot Ranch. He later began working in the aircraft industry working for Beech, Dowell, and Boeing. In 1960 he began selling fabrication tools for Hamman Tool Company in Kansas City and later continued that work in Denver, Colorado. In 1972 the family moved to Wichita where be began working as a Manufacturing Engineer for Gates Learjet. He remained there for over 15 years until retiring in 1987.

After retiring Leon and Patricia moved to San Antonio, Texas and he began working as a Manufacturing Engineer for Dee Howard. In 1994 they moved to Oklahoma to be near family due to Leon's health concerns.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and attending their baseball games. He even became an Umpire for a time. Leon and Patricia also enjoyed traveling, they visited several areas including, Nashville, Tennessee and Washington D.C.

His family includes:
His wife Patricia Payne of Ponca City, OK;
His sons: Dennis Payne of Ponca City, OK; David Payne and wife, Sheryl of Newkirk, OK;
His daughters: Terri Miller and husband, Mike of Oklahoma City, OK; Leisa Payne and husband, Harvey of Pawhuska, OK;
His brother: Francis Payne and wife, Martha of Ponca City, OK;
His sister-in-law: Barbara Payne of Winfield, KS; and
His 9 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Leon was preceded in death by his son, Montie Lee Payne and his brother, Norman Payne.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 A.M., on Wednesday May 15, 2013 at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date.

Memorials have been established in Leon's name for Image Hospice in Ponca City, Oklahoma and for the American Diabetes Association. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.milesfuneralservice.com.