NORMAN D. PAYNE, 87, of Winfield, Kansas passed away Tuesday afternoon, March 20, 2012 at his home.

Born July 23, 1924 in Chautauqua County, he was the son of Orval S. and Clara Faye (French) Payne. At the age of seven, his family moved to Winfield where he attended Ellsberry Elementary School and later Winfield High School. He graduated high school in 1942. He then attended Ottawa University in 1943 until his education was interrupted by World War II. Norman entered the United States Army and served three years as a medical corpsman, serving 18 months in the Pacific Theater. He saw action in New Guinea and in the Philippines and was decorated with the Asiatic Pacific Zone, Philippine Liberation, Philippine Combat, Philippine Victory, Asiatic Pacific Combat and the Allied Victory Medals. After his honorable discharge in 1946, Norman returned to farming with his parents until attending the Kansas City School of Watchmaking, graduating with the Certificate of Master.

He was united in marriage to Barbara Barnett on April 18, 1948 at the First Baptist Church in Winfield. In 1949, Norman entered employment with R. Hudson and Son Jewelers in Winfield, where he practiced watchmaking and learned Opticianry. In 1955, he entered employment with Dr. Glen Floyd at the Snyder Clinic in Winfield, as an Optician. In 1957, he worked for Dr. James Hill in Arkansas City, where he lived with his family until 1963 when they moved to Colorado Springs to be associated with Pike's Peak Optical. During this time, he was elected to the American Academy of Opticians and the International Academy of Opticians as a Fellow. The family remained in Colorado until 1974 when they returned to Cowley County.

Norman built his home on a farm just east of Winfield, where he became actively engaged in concrete construction and farming. Mr. Payne was a member of the First Baptist Church in Winfield and served in many capacities over the years. He was also Past Master of the Winfield Masonic Lodge #110. He was an active member of the American Legion Post #10 and had served as Chaplain and Finance Officer. He was a member of the Cowley County Landowner's Association. He was a Ham Radio Operator. While residing in Arkansas City, he served as Area 5 Communications Officer for the Kansas Civil Defense. He was active in Boy Scouts and held a 25-year service citation.

In 1978, he began serving as Republican Committeeman in the Walnut Township. He was a delegate to the District and State Conventions in 1980 and 1984. He served on the District and State Republican committees and was area Chairman for North Cowley Townships. He served on the State Republican Party Platform Committee in 1982 in the area of agricultural, minerals, and natural resources.

Norman's family includes:
His wife: Barbara of the home;
His son: Steven L. Payne and wife, Carole of Woodland Park, Colorado;
His daughter: June Payne-Palmer and husband, Greg of Winfield;
His brothers: Leon Payne and Francis Payne of Ponca City, OK;
His 3 grandchildren: Tacia Palmer of Winfield; Zachary Palmer of Augusta; and Laura Payne of Denver, CO; and
His 5 great grandchildren.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 26, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. at Miles Funeral Service. Interment will follow at Union Graham Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from 3:30 to 5. The family will greet visitors during this time.

Memorials have been established in Norman's name for the First Baptist Church and/or for the American Legion Post #10. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.